The Best Jaws Knock-Off Doesn't Even Involve A Shark

"Jaws" is widely regarded as one of the best horror movies of all time, and its influence on pop culture cannot be overstated. Not only did Steven Spielberg's beloved shark flick give birth to the summer blockbuster phenomenon, but it launched a wave (pun intended) of disreputable imitators that shamelessly tried to capitalize on its success. Heck, some of the all-time great shark movies are "Jaws" clones, as the 1974 film provided the ultimate blueprint for aquatic-based mayhem. While many of these movies are fun, the best "Jaws" knock-off is William Girdler and David Sheldon's "Grizzly," which swaps a shark for an 18-foot-tall bear. With "Jaws" now celebrating its 50th anniversary, let's revisit this entertaining copycat.

"Grizzly" is essentially "Jaws" in the woods, with the story centering around a rampaging bear that terrorizes a state park. Naturally, this causes panic among the local campers, and park ranger Michael Kelly (Christopher George) calls for the forest area to be closed off until the danger has been dealt with. His pleas fall on indifferent ears, however, as the park's supervisor, Charley Kittridge (Joe Dorsey), has no interest in shutting it down. Thus begins a heroic quest to hunt down the bear, with Kelly teaming up with a pilot and an outdoorsman to take the fight to the creature.

The "Jaws" comparisons are barely hidden here — in fact, "Grizzly" is like one big love letter to Spielberg's movie. Kelly is basically Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), and his comrades are reminiscent of Matt Hopper (Richard Dreyfuss) and Quint (Robert Shaw). Kittridge, meanwhile, would probably get along with Mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton), as they are both reluctant to shut down public spaces, even when killer carnivores are on the loose. What's more, both movies kill their respective animal antagonists using some almighty firepower.

While there is no denying that "Grizzly" rips off a better movie, it does so with style. For a start, the cast is loaded with actors with serious chops. Christopher George was a Golden Globe nominee who enjoyed success in an adventure show called "The Rat Patrol," and he delivers a strong performance here. Meanwhile, Richard Jaeckel — who played the aforementioned outdoorsman — was nominated for an Academy Award five years before "Grizzly" was released, and he doesn't phone it in just because he's starring in a "Jaws" knock-off.

"Grizzly" also benefits from using a real Kodiak bear to lend some authenticity to the proceedings. Granted, the real-life bear was much friendlier than its on-screen character, but it delivers an imposing and terrifying performance all the same. Using real animals goes a long way in a movie of this ilk, and most viewers will probably want to avoid a trip into the woods after watching it. 

William Girdler and David Sheldon's bear opus also doesn't skimp on the horror, despite having a PG rating that forces it to be tamer than it could have been. Still there are enough gnarly moments to please horror fans, including a scene where the bear attacks a child, which is pretty wild. The filmmakers deserve credit for creating a "Jaws" knock-off that makes a sincere effort to be scary, while still being an entertaining hoot.