Director: Colin Trevorrow
By Alex Watson
After Jurassic Park III underwhelmed fans back in 2001, Colin Trevorrow's Jurassic World re-ignites Michael Critchton's franchise in great style. The dinosaurs both new and old still are as thrilling today as they were when T-Rex first thumped his way onto the screen. On a character level, they might not be the same involvement or interest that Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler or Ian Malcolm was able to bring. But aside from that one minor flaw, this is one attraction still designed to thrill.
22 years after the disaster of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar has once again been re-opened for business. Today it is a futuristic amusement park named Jurassic World which genetically engineers new dinosaurs to spike attendance figures. Park Operator Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) is excited about revealing new super-dino Indominus Rex to investors more than her nephews Gray (Ty Simpkins) and Zach (Nick Robinson) visiting. When disaster strikes, the park must turn to dinosaur expert, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) to save the day.
While it may lack the same dramatic tension that the first installment so wonderfully provided, Jurassic World still succeeds well on its own merits. The return to this world is still an eye opening experience and Trevorrow although an unexpected candidate, is one that sports a great visual eye. The argument about pushing the boundaries of science is still very much alive. Grady, an expert raptor trainer has learned to control the once feared enemy but is still skeptical about the effects of dino creation. He warns throughout that these creatures are still sharp teethed predators with killer instincts. Claire makes a sly hint towards the bored modern day audience who want more than average dinosaurs. Indominus Rex is a creature specifically designed to cause nightmares to children and adults.
But what makes the new threat stand out alongside so other many new creatures, is that not only are its origins a mixture but it is also a creature who thinks almost like a human. Up its sleeves are any number of dubious tricks and unlike its original species mates, it is not hunting for food. For what is perhaps the first occasion, we have a dinosaur that qualifies as a villain. On scene sees a team of special operatives torn to shreds in nano seconds by I-Rex! Things are also not helped by the emergence of enemy corp In-Gen led by shady businessman, Vic Hoskins (Vincent D'Onofrio). Their hazy agenda is one that causes nervous glances from the outset.
However, aside from the great visual effects, the story and characterization in Jurassic World feels underdeveloped. Grady as a character is one that evolves little outside of being cool and heroic. Claire is the buttoned down, career woman who seems to give little thought towards her family. By the films end though she is a fearless, flair wielding lady who doesn't give a second thought about jumping into harms way. Hoskins is nothing more than a second rate villain and his band of In-Gen buddies feels like a forced inclusion. Where original characters of Spielberg where ones always evolving, this new batch fails to grab our hearts.
This may not be the best character that Chris Pratt will ever play, but once again he proves himself to a good leading man. Sporting the right amount of charisma along with a brave side, Owen Grady is solid enough hero material. Bryce Dallas Howard also rings in a good leading turn as careerist Claire, a woman more concern with profits and losses than peoples well-being. As Trevorrow's picture continues she thankfully sheds her old skin and begins to develop a heart and soul which carries things well. Also look out for BD Wong as Dr Henry Wu, who marks the only original character returning from Jurassic Park.
Jurassic World is one of the first really fun blockbusters that we will see this summer. Colin Trevorrow emerges as a budding talent and once more he has made dinosaurs one of the must see attractions!
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