JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH – Review by Susan Kamyab
The last two Jurassic World films were a convoluted mess: a disappointing misfire after such a promising start to the revived franchise. After nearly three years, director Gareth Edwards tries his hand at a new installment with a
brand-new cast. And while it is miles better than Fallen Kingdom and Dominion, that may not be saying much about Jurassic World Rebirth.
The film is set five years after the events of Jurassic World: Dominion. Dinosaurs are on the brink of extinction again as our ecosystem is not built for them and they are struggling to survive. Those still alive have made a home for themselves in a more tropical environment similar to where they once thrived. Three of the most colossal creatures carry genetic material that could be the key to a life-saving drug that could benefit humankind. Que Zora Bennett, a highly skilled operative, is hired by a pharmaceutical company to form a team and courageously extract DNA from the wild prehistoric reptiles. And like all Jurassic Park movies, this initial expedition quickly turns into a fight to survive.
From the get-go, you can appreciate Edwards bringing the story back to the basics and trying to capture the essence of the original 1993 Jurassic Park. Less is usually more, but when it comes to the script of Jurassic World Rebirth, I could have used a lot more. There is hardly any character development! With a talented cast, featuring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Johanthan Bailey, I expected to care about at least one of them. Unfortunately, there was not much effort to make them memorable, and we only scratch the surface, if that, with most of the characters. The only people you might care about in this story are members of the unexpected, yet endearing family the team rescues from a capsized boat accident. However, where the film and Edwards succeed is in its action and filmmaking.
Visually, Jurassic World Rebirth is a hit, returning to focused thrills, instead of chaos that allows you to appreciate the true beauty of the incredible CGI and the stunning landscapes of Thailand. Spielberg’s influence is evident throughout several frames, providing a little nostalgia for fans. And perhaps what Edwards does best is create tension. After a slow 40-minute set up, the film keeps up the momentum and engagement with back-to-back, nail-biting confrontations with the dinosaurs that are sure to make audiences squirm and want to yell at the screen. If you can look past the lack of depth to the story and characters, you might be enthralled by the entertaining adventure.
