Jurassic World (2015)
Jurassic World is a fun, action-packed sequel with thrilling dinosaur chaos, solid visuals and nostalgia, even if it plays it safe.
Jurassic World may not be as great as the original Jurassic Park; it’s still a fun, action-packed (legacy) sequel. This time, the dream of a fully operational dinosaur theme park has finally come true and for a while, everything seems to be running smoothly. But in an attempt to keep visitors excited, the park’s scientists create a new hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex and big surprise; it escapes and wreaks havoc. The film doesn’t break new ground story-wise, feeling more like a remix of the original than a fresh sequel but it delivers on action and nostalgia. If you go in expecting an exciting summer blockbuster rather than a deep, suspenseful thriller, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Visually, the film is pretty stunning. The park feels like a real, fully functional tourist attraction, with flashy rides, corporate sponsorships and a constant push for “bigger and better” thrills. The CGI is solid for the most part, though I do miss the more practical effects from the original. The action sequences are great, especially the Pteranodon attack and the epic final showdown. I also liked the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to consumer culture, with the film poking fun at how we always crave more spectacle, even when it comes to dinosaurs.
The characters are a bit hit-or-miss. Chris Pratt’s Owen Grady is a highlight. He’s charming, confident and actually feels like he belongs in this kind of setting. Bryce Dallas Howard’s Claire starts off as a typical business-first character but she grows on you by the end. The two brothers, Zach and Gray, have their moments but their family drama subplot didn’t really do much for me. And then there’s Vincent D’Onofrio’s military guy, who feels like he’s from a completely different film. His subplot about using raptors for warfare is just… weird and unnecessary.
The film knows exactly what it’s trying to be; a fun, high-energy adventure with big dinosaurs and even bigger action. It doesn’t have the same awe and suspense as Jurassic Park but it delivers plenty of thrills. The nostalgia hits just right, the pacing keeps things moving and by the time the final battle happens, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement.
Smash Hit Score: 7.2/10
I think Jurassic World is an enjoyable sequel that brings the franchise back to life, even if it doesn’t completely evolve it. It’s got some flaws but if you’re here for dinosaurs (like me!) causing chaos and some epic action sequences, you’ll have a good time.
