The deleted full version of the helicopter attack scene is famous for being left out of the movie. I'm not sure how much it adds to the final film and maybe should have been left on the cutting room floor. Do you think it should have been left in?

Jaws 2 is a 1978 American thriller film directed by Jeannot Szwarc and starring Roy Scheider, Lorraine Gary, and Murray Hamilton. As a sequel to the 1975 blockbuster hit Jaws, the film had some big shoes to fill. Despite its own success at the box office, Jaws 2 has always lived in the shadow of its predecessor.

Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg, was a cultural phenomenon that changed the film industry forever. It was a ground breaking film that revolutionized the way movies were marketed, distributed, and even made. The film's iconic score, terrifying shark, and unforgettable characters have made it one of the most beloved and enduring films of all time.

Jaws 2, on the other hand, was never able to replicate the success of the original film. Although it grossed over $208 million at the box office, it received mixed reviews from critics and was considered a disappointment by many fans of the first film. Jaws 2 was criticized for being too similar to the original film, lacking the same sense of tension and surprise, and having a weaker storyline.

One of the main reasons Jaws 2 has lived in the shadow of its predecessor is that it was made in the shadow of the original. The pressure to live up to the success of the first film was immense, and it seems that the filmmakers tried too hard to replicate what made the first film great instead of trying something new. While Jaws 2 has some memorable moments, such as the opening sequence and the tense chase scene at the end, it lacks the same level of creativity, innovation, and suspense that made the original film so special.

Another reason Jaws 2 has lived in the shadow of its predecessor is that it was followed by two lackluster sequels, Jaws 3-D and Jaws: The Revenge. Both films were critically panned and are often considered among the worst films ever made. These sequels have tainted the legacy of the Jaws franchise and have made it difficult for Jaws 2 to be seen as anything more than a stepping stone towards these inferior films.

Despite its flaws and its place in the shadow of its predecessor, Jaws 2 is still a fun and thrilling film that deserves to be remembered for its own merits. The film features some great performances, especially by Roy Scheider as Police Chief Brody, and some impressive shark attack scenes. It also has a memorable score by John Williams, who returned to compose the music for the sequel.

In conclusion, Jaws 2 may never be able to escape the shadow of its predecessor, but it is still a worthy addition to the Jaws franchise. While it lacks the same level of innovation and suspense that made the first film so special, it is still an entertaining and thrilling film that deserves to be remembered as more than just a footnote in the history of the Jaws franchise.