Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) starts up his motorcycle in “Jurassic World”
In 1993, Steven Spielberg made two of the greatest movies of all-time: Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List. Particularly, Jurassic Park became a milestone in special effects. With its careful use of CGI animation and animatronics, every shot made every genetically engineered dinosaurs look real. The special effects hold up to this day. Featuring the wonder and suspense, John Williams’ masterful score, awesome characters, and an effective theme involving nature being controlled by humans. After two sequels, The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III, Spielberg returns as the executive producer of the long-awaited reboot Jurassic World.
Is it a masterpiece compared to Jurassic Park? Absolutely not!
Is it a good movie? You damn right it is!
Isla Nublar is home to the newly renovated Jurassic World, the dinosaur theme park that is open to the public. As the brothers, Zach (Nick Robinson) and Gray (Ty Simpkins), leave, their mother Karen (Judy Greer) gives a word of advice to them: “If something chases you, run.” They discover the countless attractions Jurassic World has to offer, including a Mosasaurus, a giant crocodile-like creature who will jump out of her pool to snatch sharks, and cause humongous splash on spectators (Shamu on steroids, to say the least). Meanwhile, the park manager Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) creates a new attraction to increase the number of visitors. The Indominus Rex, bigger than the Tyrannosaurus Rex, is the most intelligent of the dinosaurs. However, she is a mean, not-so-green, killing machine. As she escapes, this leads ex-Navy man and Velociraptor whisperer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) to save the day.
Seeing this movie made me reminisce about learning dinosaurs in the first grade, and hearing those catchy dinosaur songs every day during a cold winter. Kids loves dinosaurs. Seeing Jurassic World on the big screen made me feel like a kid. And making me believe that the dinosaurs looked real despite the obvious CGI. I totally regret missing out on watching Jurassic Park as a kid.
What director Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guranteed) does with Jurassic World is paying tribute to the original film. For instance, there is a slow-build-up leading towards the suspenseful second act. There are several Easter eggs that put a smile on my face. It’s refreshing to hear John Williams’ stunning theme music while walking out of the theater. With the original glorifying the way we look at CGI, this movie never fails to look visually dazzling. There is an amusing cameo that you have to see for yourselves (revealing it would ruin the surprise).
What’s not to like about Chris Pratt? After his breakout role in last year’s Guardians of the Galaxy, he has proved that he can be an exceptional action hero. He’s charismatic, strong, and funny as hell. This movie is no exception. He has some solid chemistry with co-star Bryce Dallas Howard. However, the stale writing and supporting characters (notably the first half) prevent Jurassic World from being terrific. The movie hits full throttle during the second half. You are in for a ride!
3/4
Dr. Saint, D.D.S. 