JURASSIC WORLD Is Not As Smart As The Original But Still Fun.

JURASSIC WORLD

Director: Colin Trevorrow

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Nick Robinson, Ty Simpkins, and Vincent D'Onofrio.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril.

In the summer of 1993, I had one of the greatest theater experiences of my life at the age of nine. Steven Spielberg showed me that dinosaurs could be resurrected in his now classic film, Jurassic Park. I eagerly anticipated the sequel only to find that the magic got lost somewhere along the way. Jurassic Park III tried to recapture it, but it was a vain attempt. Needless to say, I did not have the highest of expectations going into the fourth installment, Jurassic World. While the original film cannot be matched in thrills or brains, I must admit I had a good time with this latest sequel.

In Jurassic World, John Hammond's original vision for his prehistoric park is completely realized and open to the public. For 10 years, the park has attracted millions of visitors, but people have lost their wondrous love for dinosaurs. In response to this declining interest, the park has decided to created a genetically-modified hybrid, a dinosaur so terrifying it is sure to win back the people's attention. When this abominable creation breaks out of containment, thousands of lives are threatened along with the park's future.

Okay, the plot is ridiculous and amounts to little more than a monster movie, but there is much to applaud in Jurassic World. First, I loved seeing the ingenuity that went behind the creation of this fictitious park. It felt like a tangible place and a prime destination for any adventurer. Sign me up! Chris Pratt is a shining star here after showing the world what he was made of with last year's smash hit, Guardians of the Galaxy. Though his character is not given any sort of an arc, Pratt demands to be the reigning authority on the island when things go wrong. And we trust him. Bryce Dallas Howard has her moments, but running around in those heels is a bit much, and she easily takes home the Worst Aunt award. 

I understand why the two young brothers were in this movie, mostly used as an attempt to follow the same formula that was successful in Jurassic Park. However, they add little to the story and there are plot lines introduced through these brothers that are never resolved. Vincent D'Onofrio (who is a great actor) is given one of the worst roles I've seen in some time. He is so one-dimensional and completely void of any coherent line of thinking; it's baffling. 

Despite such poorly written characters, Jurassic World comes the closest of all the sequels to matching the thrills of the original. That's not to say it succeeds in the same way, but it was far better than 2 or 3. There are some truly fun and thrilling moments, and the use of the raptors, while far-fetched, was actually pretty exciting. The final 20 or so minutes of the movie demand to be seen on the big screen. 

The music is great, the special effects are top-notch, and if you're looking for a good movie that allows you to just sit back and throw popcorn in your face, then this might be just the ticket. Is it a good film? No, not really. But nevertheless, I enjoyed myself.

RATING: B