Jurassic World

JURASSIC WORLD (2015)

directed by Colin Trevorrow

[filmography: Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)]

written by 

Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Colin Trevorrow, Derek Connolly

starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins 

ENJOYMENT: **** (out of 4)

"A perfect throwback to fans of the old films & lots of fun all around"

For fans of Spielberg's Jurassic Park films, we've had nearly two decades to think about what we'd want in a sequel (let's all forget Jurassic Park III). Should the T-rex still be the baddest dinosaur of them all? Should Jeff Goldbloom, Sam Neil and Laura Dern return? Maybe the kids from the first film can return to a newly reopened park as adults with their own kids? There are so many different directions that could be taken with the old cast, perhaps some more interesting than others, but what was refreshing about Jurassic World is that this is a new story. It almost feels like an entirely new franchise. Sure, the old dinosaurs are there -- the giant herbivores, the raptors and the T-rex are bigger and badder than ever -- but Trevorrow and gang decided to add more. In a lot of ways, Jurassic World is the first films on steroids. Some may not like that, they may think it's over the top, but I, for one, loved every minute of it. With the brand new cast, brand new technology and brand new dinosaurs (yet the same amazing theme music), Jurassic World is a reimagining of the entire dinosaur world.  But what I liked most about this film was that it didn't take itself too seriously. There were plenty of jokes, plenty of dingbat characters and lots of scenes that may have been over-the-top. However, I was completely absorbed in this film and didn't want it to end. Chris Pratt is now unequivocally an A-list star, Bryce Dallas Howard is captivating and the new kids in the film were great as well. All in all, this was an exhilarating experience and everyone has to give it a try. To your childhood!

P.S. Jurassic World is already the third highest grossing movie of all time after Avatar and Titanic, making more money than The Avengers, any of the Harry Potter films or Lord of the Rings. Therefore, unsurprisingly, there is more to come -- Jurassic World 2 has a 2018 release date. 

Other ratings: IMDB (7.3/10), Rotten Tomatoes (71%)