Jurassic World: Movie Review
Admittedly when writer/director Colin Trevorrow was hired to take on “Jurassic World”, I was pretty surprised. I loved 2012’s “Safety Not Guaranteed” but he did not write that, only directed it. Aside from that he hadn’t done a whole lot prior. Now, having seen the latest installment of the dino-franchise, I can totally see why he was given the massive undertaking. “Jurassic World” is big, beautiful, exciting, clever, and the best of the sequels. Nothing can ever recapture the awe of seeing those CGI dinosaurs for the first time back in 1993, but more than two decades later, those same dinos look a whole lot better.
“Jurassic World” takes place 22 years after the events in Jurassic Park”. Isla Nublar island is now a massive dinosaur theme park and resort and has been running for 10 years. Like most theme parks, new attractions must be added or visitor attendance will begin to decline. Apparently seeing regular dinosaurs isn’t impressive anymore, so the fine scientists at Jurassic World have created their own mega-dino, called the Indominus Rex. This new beast had been created with a mix of different genes and it is not only bigger than any other dino at the park, but it is also highly intelligent.
Of course the Indominus Rex escapes its’ containment facility and begins to eat the staff. Then it decides to kill the other dinos in the park for sport. Thankfully, Navy Seal/ Raptor trainer Owen (Chris Pratt) is there to save the day. He isn’t alone though. Park operations manager, Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) is right there by his side. However, her two nephews Grey (Ty Simpkins) and Zach (Nick Robinson) who are visiting the park are also being hunted by the Indominus Rex.
Not all elements in “Jurassic World” work. Although I love BD Wong and happy to see at least one character from the original film show up, I just never really bought his Dr. Henry Wu’s motives. Didn’t the guy learn anything in the past 20 years? There are some things you just don’t mess with. There is also Vincent D’Onofrio’s Hoskins character who wants to take the raptors that Owen has been training and use them as military weapons. One character I did love was control room operator Lowery (Jake Johnson) who gets the film’s biggest laughs, especially with is attitude towards the events from the original film.
“Jurassic World” has everything you want in a “Jurassic Park” movie and it brings the magic back that was missing in the first two sequels. “Jurassic Park III” I found fun, but not very memorable and the less said about “The Lost World” the better. There are plenty of Easter Eggs throughout the film, but kudos to you if you get a glimpse of Jeff Goldblum’s Dr. Ian Malcolm character on the back of a book that someone is reading. I usually miss those minor details on a first viewing but I padded myself on the back for catching it.
“Jurassic World” isn’t the best big movie of the summer, that goes to “Mad Max”, but as far as blockbusters go this season, so far it comes in second place and that’s not too shabby.
By” Marc Ferman