by Anthony Northrup
Recently I finished reading the wonderful book, FINATICS: 50 YEARS OF JAWS by author Michael Smith. I had the honor of interviewing Michael and talk about the book, but first, here is my book review of FINATICS: 50 YEARS OF JAWS!
In life, people remember their first "firsts". First car, first kiss, first record they ever bought, so on and so on. But do you remember (in details) the first movie you ever saw? I do. It was JAWS in the summer of 1975. I was 4 years old, it was at the Drive-In in Riverhead, Long Island, New York. I remember the songs playing on the radio before the film started, i was eating popcorn, Sweet Tarts, and drinking a soda waiting for this film that would change my life forever. I don't remember everything from the film ( I was 4 after all), but I remember hiding in the backseat, popping my head up every so often to see the film, and of course, the main scene that stuck in my head the most is when Quint gets eatin. It's also my 3rd favorite scene of all-time in any film. I had the JAWS game when I was a kid along with a JAWS button, poster, and magazines. All these collectibles long gone now, but replaced now with new JAWS collectibles that I cherish dearly. I watch JAWS every 4th of July as far back as I can remember. It is the ultimate blockbuster, summer movie, and classic horror film ever made. Although it has a few bloopers, to me, it is a perfect film! As classic as you can possibly get! So, when I got the opportunity to review a book about JAWS, I jumped at the chance.
FINATICS: 50 Years Of JAWS (a great title by the way), is a fun, intriguing, entertaining, educational, exciting, and wonderful book about JAWS written by a fan, for the fans. Author Michael Smith is the biggest JAWS fan I've ever met! He KNOWS what it's like to be a fan, so he wrote a book about them known as "Finatics". FINATICS covers a lot including JAWS in Pop Culture, in Film and Television, Plays, Musicals, where the original shark (Bruce) is, books, magazines, collectibles, podcasts shows, and spotlights on the biggest JAWS fans from around the world. There is also a wonderful Introduction by 'Hooper' himself, Richard Dreyfuss! A true treat to this enjoyable book.
I really enjoyed the fun facts, behind-the-scenes stories, and lots and lots of cool pictures of not just the film, but all the cool JAWS collectibles that Michael, contributors and fans shared for this book. However, my very favorite part of the book is the spotlight of the JAWS die hard fans from around the world. Their stories, some sad and some happy, but all truly moving and very interesting. There aren't too many books about fans of a film, so I was really happy to see someone put us in the spotlight for a change and author Michael Smith did just that. Michael also writes in the book as if he's speaking directly to you. As if you're sitting in the room with him and I really liked that connection. I know a lot about JAWS, but there were fun facts and stories in this book that even I didn't know. If you want a really fun book about the biggest summer blockbuster ever, then FINATICS: 50 YEARS OF JAWS is for you! It's just a really good time! You can pick up a copy at Bear Manor Media Publishing website.
And now, my exclusive interview with author Michael Smith!
Anthony Northrup - Thank you Michael for joining us today. Tell us a little about yourself.
Michael Smith - Born in Cleveland, lived everywhere as my father worked for the newspapers. Toledo, Seattle, Chicago etc. Moved to Tampa in 1975, where I attended and graduated high school. Also where I first saw JAWS. Currently live in the Kansas City area with my beautiful wife, Juanita. We have a son, Phillip, and three grandchildren.
AN - Your new book, Finatics - 50 Years of JAWS, is a wonderful book. How did this book first come about and how long was the process?
MS - I was approached last summer (2024) by a publisher in the UK that was interested in me writing a book for the 50th Anniversary of JAWS. What he wanted was another “making of” book. I explained that there were no more stories left to tell and that, if I wrote a book, I would like to highlight the Pop Culture impact the film has had and also recognize the hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world…the FINATICS.
AN - The Introduction is by JAWS royalty, actor Richard Dreyfuss ("Hooper"). How did you get one of the 3 biggest stars of the film involved in your book?
MS - As a teenager I joined Richard’s fan club and eventually ran it. He has always been a major influence on my life. In 2019 I was asked to moderate a Q&A with him for an event he did in Kansas. Since then I’ve moderated other events for him and have become friends with him and his wife. Over the year I have spent a lot of time around him at various shows and I’ve always marveled at how kind and receptive he is to the fans he meets. In other words, I know “he gets it.” I asked him if he would consider writing the foreword and he graciously agreed.
If you’re read the foreword, you know he was the perfect choice.
AN - This book covers everything from festivals to collectibles to die hard fans of the franchise. What part of the book did you enjoy covering the most and why?
MS - The fans. I had over 800 fans from all over the world request a questionnaire to share their thoughts on the film. What I loved most is that I received 800 different answers to the question, “why is JAWS important to you?” Some of their stories are inspiring. Some were heartbreaking.
AN - I really enjoyed the collectibles section of the book. What is, to your knowledge, the rarest JAWS memorabilia fans look for and what is your number one prize collectible in your own personal collection?
MS - I think every fan would love to own their own Bruce! As you saw in the book, one fan owns the actual rod, reel and fighting chair from the film. He also owns the tow fin and the Zanuck/Brown Company production office sign. One friend owns the actual buoy that Chrissie hangs on at the beginning of the film. Each December he decorates it like a Christmas tree. As for me, my two most personal items in my collection are a JAWS wallet my grandson gave me and an old VHS copy of the film that belonged to my late father. On the JAWS side, my favorite items include an actual plastic Amity Holiday Inn cup used in the opening scenes of JAWS 2, a rather large piece of the Orca II that Captain Lynn Murphy gave me and a stone from the large chimney seen at the end of JAWS. It recently was torn down and I got a piece of it!
AN - Your fandom for JAWS really shows throughout the book, but what about the sequels? What are your thoughts on those films and is it just me or did the shark sound like King Kong's roar in JAWS:The REVENGE? (*laugh)
MS - Huge fan of JAWS 2. I loved it so much I wrote a book about it! While the sequels do pale in comparison, they are both entertaining in their own way. The roaring shark in “JTR” is the least of the problems in that film, but I still love the banana boat scene.
AN - You mention Martha's Vineyard in the book and the locations of the film. What particular location did you enjoy visiting the most and is most breathtaking in your opinion?
MS - To me it’s the harbor in Menemsha. This is where Quint’s shack was constructed (and immediately torn down) and that area is STILL a vacant lot five decades later. You can stand on the bank and look out and imagine the exact same shot of the Orca pulling out to see framed by the shark jaws.
AN - What is it about JAWS that attracts so many fans from around the world, especially 50 years later!?
MS - It's generational. Fans who saw the film as kids told their kids about it. And they told THEIR kids about it. It’s a rite of passage, like throwing a baseball with your father. One day, you do it, and you never forget it.
AN - There are die hard fans all around the world of all ages (I being one of them). What do you enjoy most about these finatics?
MS - That they prove to me that it’s not just ME! Other people get it. That was one of the highlights of the JAWS events on Martha’s Vineyard. Meeting so many people who you may have chatted with on the computer but had never been in the same room with.
AN - What is next in your JAWS journey and what do you say to the new generation who are just now discovering this classic film?
MS - I have nothing planned but I’m always ready to tackle something new. I would tell the new generation to give the film a look. I think if they have any appreciation for film, and only know the basic tale of how hard the film was to make, that they will appreciate it. And, if like me the film “hooks” them, they can pronounce themselves an official “Finatic” and share their appreciation with the NEXT generation.
Exercise extreme caution when dealing with this company. They scammed me out of my money and even gained unauthorized access to my banking information, which severely impacted my financial well-being. I had initially approached them with the hope of improving my life through investment, but instead, I was deceived.
This company should be thoroughly investigated and shut down to prevent further harm.
Fortunately, I was able to recover my funds thanks to Mrs. Rose. Although I was initially hesitant and unsure about contacting her, I decided to take the risk and I’m so glad I did. You can reach her via email at rosecryptoinvestment11@gmail. com
With the help of her skilled team of cybersecurity professionals and cryptocurrency experts, I was able to recover my lost funds quickly and with minimal stress, a sharp contrast to my previous experience. If you’ve been scammed or are in a similar situation, I highly recommend reaching out to her for assistance. rosecryptoinvestment11@ gmail. com
HIRE THE BEST CRYPTO // BITCOIN RECOVERY EXPERT // THE HACK ANGELS
I Can’t Access My USDT? Account, Bitcoin Recovery Getting Back Lost Or Stolen Funds? How Do I Recover Crypto From A Scammer?
If you’re in need of a reliable crypto asset and fund recovery service. Reach out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT
WhatsApp +1(520)2 0 0-2 3 2 0)
Email at support@thehackangels.com
Website at www.thehackangels.com
I can’t get over how excited I am to have discovered THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT through a friend. After falling prey to a cryptocurrency fraud. However, Thanks to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT I was able to regain a portion of my hard-earned funds. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the loss of your hard-earned money, fear not! Contact THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT today and let him work his magic in recovering what is rightfully yours. As a professional in the field of online security and data recovery, I must say this, the most reliable and dependable recovery agent available online is THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. With years of experience and a proven track record of successful recoveries. I can’t express how grateful I am for their outstanding assistance on my case.
HIRE THE BEST CRYPTO // BITCOIN RECOVERY EXPERT // THE HACK ANGELS
I Can’t Access My USDT? Account, Bitcoin Recovery Getting Back Lost Or Stolen Funds? How Do I Recover Crypto From A Scammer?
If you’re in need of a reliable crypto asset and fund recovery service. Reach out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT
WhatsApp +1(520)2 0 0-2 3 2 0)
Email at support@thehackangels.com
Website at www.thehackangels.com
I can’t get over how excited I am to have discovered THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT through a friend. After falling prey to a cryptocurrency fraud. However, Thanks to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT I was able to regain a portion of my hard-earned funds. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the loss of your hard-earned money, fear not! Contact THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT today and let him work his magic in recovering what is rightfully yours. As a professional in the field of online security and data recovery, I must say this, the most reliable and dependable recovery agent available online is THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. With years of experience and a proven track record of successful recoveries. I can’t express how grateful I am for their outstanding assistance on my case.
HIRE THE BEST CRYPTO // BITCOIN RECOVERY EXPERT // THE HACK ANGELS
I Can’t Access My USDT? Account, Bitcoin Recovery Getting Back Lost Or Stolen Funds? How Do I Recover Crypto From A Scammer?
If you’re in need of a reliable crypto asset and fund recovery service. Reach out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT
WhatsApp +1(520)2 0 0-2 3 2 0)
Email at support@thehackangels.com
Website at www.thehackangels.com
I can’t get over how excited I am to have discovered THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT through a friend. After falling prey to a cryptocurrency fraud. However, Thanks to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT I was able to regain a portion of my hard-earned funds. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the loss of your hard-earned money, fear not! Contact THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT today and let him work his magic in recovering what is rightfully yours. As a professional in the field of online security and data recovery, I must say this, the most reliable and dependable recovery agent available online is THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. With years of experience and a proven track record of successful recoveries. I can’t express how grateful I am for their outstanding assistance on my case.
HIRE THE BEST CRYPTO // BITCOIN RECOVERY EXPERT // THE HACK ANGELS
I Can’t Access My USDT? Account, Bitcoin Recovery Getting Back Lost Or Stolen Funds? How Do I Recover Crypto From A Scammer?
If you’re in need of a reliable crypto asset and fund recovery service. Reach out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT
WhatsApp +1(520)2 0 0-2 3 2 0)
Email at support@thehackangels.com
Website at www.thehackangels.com
I can’t get over how excited I am to have discovered THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT through a friend. After falling prey to a cryptocurrency fraud. However, Thanks to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT I was able to regain a portion of my hard-earned funds. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the loss of your hard-earned money, fear not! Contact THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT today and let him work his magic in recovering what is rightfully yours. As a professional in the field of online security and data recovery, I must say this, the most reliable and dependable recovery agent available online is THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. With years of experience and a proven track record of successful recoveries. I can’t express how grateful I am for their outstanding assistance on my case.