Brad Erickson’s review published on Letterboxd:
While Jaws 2 retains some of the original's cast and thrilling moments, it falls far short of the brilliance of the 1975 classic and ultimately feels like a commercial endeavor. The film lacks cohesion, feeling like a collection of scenes that range from exciting to absurd. This sequel represents a missed chance to create another memorable entry in the franchise. It's regrettable that Steven Spielberg's idea to incorporate the USS Indianapolis tragedy into a rewritten storyline was not pursued after the original director's departure. Such a direction could have significantly enriched the franchise's legacy and potentially led to a stronger series. The absence of Spielberg's involvement in Jaws 2, in my opinion, significantly contributed to the franchise's decline.