22 years after the original Jurassic Park failed, the new park (also known as Jurassic World) is open for business. After years of studying genetics the scientists on the park genetically engineer a new breed of dinosaur. When everything goes horribly wrong, will our heroes make it off the island?
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Writers: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Derek Connolly, and Colin Trevorrow
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Omar Sy, B.D. Wong, and Irrfan Khan
Release Date: June 10, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril
Runtime: 2 hours and 4 minutes
Studio: Universal Pictures
Aside from Avengers: Age of Ultron, Jurassic World was my most anticipated movie of summer 2015. I love the first film and even the second film. I hated the third one, but this one looked a lot better than that movie. After seeing Jurassic World, I can definitely say that it is a very fun movie. It's script may not be the highlight, but the film is still much better than Jurassic Park III.
The plot of Jurassic World takes place 22 years after the events of Jurassic Park. After the incident of Isla Nublar (the island where the first Jurassic Park movie took place in), regarding the theme park, "Jurassic Park", a new dinosaur theme park, "Jurassic World", has been built, embodying John Hammond's original vision of "Jurassic Park". The theme park is run by operations manager, Claire Dearing, and owned by Simon Masrani. At one point, general interest in the park is decreasing, due to the dinosaur exhibits losing their "wow factor". Because of this, the scientists of the park create a new genetically modified dinosaur: Indominus Rex (I-rex for short), to attact more visitors. The I-rex is a hybrid not just out of carnivorous dinosaur DNA, but also of animal DNA (such as cuttlefish). However, before the new exhibit is about to open, the I-rex breaks out of his enclosure and starts rampaging a cross the island. Unfortunately for Claire, her two nephews, Zach and Grey, are visiting the park and are in the middle of one of the park's rides, "The Gyroshpere", when the I-rex attacks them. They survive the attack though, and are trying to escape from the island. Meanwhile, Claire and velociraptor trainer Owen Grady, are searching for the two boys to make sure they're safe. While this is going on, Owen and Claire, along with the rest of the "Jurassic World" staff, must stop the I-rex, before it terrorizes the park visitors.
Coming fresh off of last year's Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt does a great job as Owen Grady. He is very charismatic, funny, and is honestly Jurassic Park's version of Indiana Jones (which is ironic, because there are talks of him being Indiana Jones). Bryce Dallas Howard is also solid in her role, and is much better than what you'd expect, at first. I'll explain why when I get to the script. Ty Sampans and Nick Robinson are also really good as the children, Grey and Zack, and she solid chemistry. The supporting cast, ranging from Irrfan Khan to Omar Sy, are also solid enough for what they are given.
Visually, this movie is a massive improvement over Jurassic Park III, in term of CGI, which looks incredible, whether it be the dinosaurs or the environments. Sure a little bit of it looks meh at best, but for most part, the computer generated imagery works well. There are also a few attempts at practical effects and they also work (unlike the third Jurassic Park movie). Colin Trevorrow is also great at the direction, creating lots of tension and suspense to the incredible action sequences, which are also backed up by great set designs. I don't want to spoil the final fight scene for those who have yet to see the movie, but it is honestly my favorite action scene of the entire series so far, not just because it looks awesome, but it is just so creative, with what they did in that scene.
Like I said before, the screenplay defnetaly isn't the highest point of this film, but it's not a terrible script either. Firstly, whilst I do like the character of Owen, I was surprised about the character of Claire. She may seem like that same big person who says a lot of stuff, but her character takes different directions, making her a pretty badass female character. The I-rex makes a really great villain, with the ideas that the filmmakers used. Mainly its intelligence, specifically the tactics used for hunting (which I won't spoil, because you should go into the movie with as little knowledge that I give to you. I also love the idea of a velociraptor trainer and thought that was really cool. I also LOVE the final act of this movie (again, no spoile- you probably get it by this point).
This script does have some big flaws, though, such as most of the characterization. There are some very forced character moments for the supporting characters, mainly the two children in the film. Zack and Grey do have some good brother bonding moments, but they also have a good portion of backstory about their family that goes nowhere. I also found parts of the first act to be a little slow for my taste, but after that, the movie started to pick up and flow better. Also, whilst I found most of the humor of the film to be very funny, the tone was a tad inconsistent at times.
Overall, Jurassic World is an incredibly entertaining long-awaited sequel. It may not have best best script in the world, but I still had a lot of fun watching it. I don't think it's as good as Jurassic park, or even The Lost World, but it is a big improvement over Jurassic Park III. I recommend that you watch it.
