LEGO’s JAWS Set Is a Challenging Build That Immerses You in Plastic Brick Water

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As a long-time devotee of all things Jaws and a die-hard LEGO enthusiast, I must confess that this year’s summer felt like something was missing – the suspenseful roar of the ocean, the dread-filled hum of the Orca, and the chilling sight of Bruce. However, LEGO has come to my rescue with their exceptional Jaws set, which has become my new summer obsession!

My summer ritual, which involves watching the initial encounter of Chief Brody and Hooper as they paddle towards shore in the movie “Jaws”, didn’t occur this year. This tradition has always been a part of my summers. Not even a single scene from the movie was viewed by me! However, I found an extraordinary method to enjoy one of my all-time favorite films – LEGO sent us their newly released set inspired by Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking 1975 film. Assembling the Orca and the colossal shark known as Bruce was a more than adequate substitute for not witnessing them on screen. Yet, just like young Alex Kintner should never have been in the water that tragic day, this advanced LEGO “Jaws” collectible is definitely not suitable for children.

The recently released LEGO set based on the movie “Jaws” is the latest marvelous creation to emerge from LEGO Ideas, a platform where ideas are submitted. It was Johnny Campbell from Belfast who proposed this idea back in March 2022. The intricacies and dynamic energy of his original design can still be seen in this impressive set, which has been enhanced with additional details and movement.

The official collection includes two primary components: the Orca and the colossal shark responsible for its demise, which are individually displayable, with “Bruce” having a separate stand and title plaque. Alternatively, you can join them on a complex base that mimics the movement of waves and froth. Additionally, there are some yellow barrels that appear to be being pulled by the giant shark. However, reaching these finished items requires effort. This is undeniably an adult-oriented set.



The Orca model boasts numerous intricate elements such as fishing poles, spears, a shark enclosure, and other accessories. Additionally, it offers an extensive interior cabin that may seem confined during the construction process but looks stunning when completed. While certain parts of the boat are straightforward to construct and not overly challenging, I found assembling the front section particularly difficult. It’s quite delicate and required careful handling. At times, it was unclear whether I was making a mistake or if the design intentionally gives the boat a sense of fragility. Given my past experiences, I suspect the former is true. However, please be aware that bag 4 (out of 13) may present some difficulties if you aren’t extra cautious during assembly.

Some of the details that make this ship feel like it might really sail away are also extra tricky. You have to tie the rope segments onto the tiniest possible pieces. That was not exactly a day at the beach for my sausage fingers. Also the ropes ultimately run through the very tall, very flexible mast. The mast’s lack of sturdiness adds authenticity, which this set has in abundance. But determining the exact amount of slack to use on the ropes is frustrating and time consuming. Ultimately it’s worth it, but only when you’re done.

1) The shark stands out on its own merit. Assembling it can be a bit tricky since some parts are straightforward, while others require more effort. However, it looks fantastic once put together. It can be separated easily, allowing you to place most of the shark’s body on the base where it mimics the pursuit of an Orca. The most impressive feature of this set’s shark is its size, which closely resembles that of the Orca in the movie. In fact, they are almost identical in length, evoking the scene when its size was estimated at 25-feet and “three tons” by Quint.

On that famous vessel, you’ll discover three exceptional LEGO minifigures – some of the greatest ever crafted. These legendary figures hold an amusing secret within them. The heads of Brody and Hooper offer two expressions: one cheerful and the other serious. Quint, appropriately, only displays a stern expression. It’s simply brilliant.

Comparing the process of describing and building this set to summarizing the plot of Jaws as merely an ocean movie misses the essence. Just like how watching Jaws every summer is not just about the ocean, but the perfection and timelessness of the film that never bores me, constructing the Orca was more than just putting pieces together. It was a thrilling hands-on experience that brought back vivid memories associated with something I deeply cherish. Each new detail added triggered specific scenes from the movie, and I could almost hear the dialogue echoing in my mind, making it an immersive and sensory journey.

Building this 1497-piece collectible isn’t an extremely laborious task, with an approximate build time of 8-9 hours. However, its price tag of $149.99 doesn’t quite align with the effort required to construct it. But if you’re a fan of the iconic movie, Jaws, the final product is undeniably worth every penny. In fact, having it by your side while watching Jaws each summer will significantly enhance your viewing experience. I can assure you that I will be rewatching it when the weather warms up next year – that is, unless LEGO decides to release a second Jaws set!

I’m hoping for another one, but only if LEGO avoids making it based on “Jaws 2”. Skipping sequels in the summer is part of my longstanding traditions.

Mikey Walsh serves as a staff writer for TopMob, where you can find his work. To keep up with his updates, you can connect with him on Twitter (@burgermike) and Bluesky. Moreover, if anyone is making lists of the Targaryen monarchs, Mikey Walsh might be among them.

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2024-09-09 22:32