We all know that no installment of the Jurassic Park franchise can ever match the original masterpiece. And what Jurassic World aims is not to compete with the 1993 Spielberg classic, but to pay homage to that unforgettable blockbuster.
Except for BD Wong, this fourth installment brings a fresh set of characters. Led by an Indiana Jones-like raptor trainer named Owen, played by the very likeable Chris Pratt, we are launched into another dino-chase adventure, along with Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard), the uptight, high-heeled operations manager of the park, and her two visiting nephews (Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins). The villain? The park's highly intelligent evil new attraction: the dino-hybrid Indominus rex.
In Jurassic World, we are finally given the pleasure of seeing the dinosaur theme park in full operation. When the T-Rex interrupted our tour of Jurassic Park 22 years ago and deprived us of getting a look-see of the park’s other attractions, this movie gives us just that—before catapulting us to the danger and suspense, with some really exhilarating dinosaur action.
In Jurassic World, we are finally given the pleasure of seeing the dinosaur theme park in full operation. When the T-Rex interrupted our tour of Jurassic Park 22 years ago and deprived us of getting a look-see of the park’s other attractions, this movie gives us just that—before catapulting us to the danger and suspense, with some really exhilarating dinosaur action.
Directed by indie filmmaker Colin Treverrow (Safety Not Guaranteed), Jurassic World has that delightful Spielbergian feel to it. In fact, the movie has Steven Spielberg’s (executive producer here) signature everywhere. It has that distinctly classic blockbuster atmosphere, which takes us on a nostalgic trip to that crowded cinema in '93, and reawakening our childhood love and fascination for dinosaurs.
There are many elements of the Jurassic Park present in this film, but they do not feel like a rehash, but a tremendously fun tribute to our favorite movie. John Williams' moving film score—that anthem already embedded in our DNA—is finally restored to its soaring, sweeping quality, because it truly fits this fourth installment.
Jurassic World is not showy. No over-the-top explosions. It employs a more intimate dinosaur experience, with the movie banking on emotional thrills and good ol' fun and adventure rather than on grandiose special effects.
Never mind that the suspense and danger are familiar (it still evokes tension and excitement), or that Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard talk to each other like characters out of a historical romance novel (it's fun and charming), and that there are some illogical details in the plot. What makes Jurassic World highly entertaining is its genuine reverence for Jurassic Park.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Opens June 10, 2015 in Philippine cinemas
Photo credit: United International Pictures
Photo credit: United International Pictures
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