[wp-review]
JURASSIC PARK released in 1993 and directed by Steven Spielberg is one of the most successful films of all time. For those that are unfamiliar, the film centers on the fictional Isla Nublar where a billionaire philanthropist and a small team of genetic scientists have created a wildlife park of cloned dinosaurs. The film featured ground breaking computer-generated imagery by Industrial Light & Magic and with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs built by special effects wizard Stan Winston and his team. To showcase the film’s sound design, which included a mixture of various animal noises for the dinosaur roars, Spielberg invested in the creation of Digital Theater Systems (DTS), a company specializing in digital surround sound formats. The film went on to gross $900 million worldwide during its initial theater run and was the highest grossing film until 1997’s TITANIC. A film that successful will most certainly bring a sequel and in this case two sequels THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK and JURASSIC PARK III. Both of which were box office successes but received mixed critical responses. Now fourteen years after the last entry, comes full circle as the park that was only a promise comes to life. The park is now open. Welcome to JURASSIC WORLD.
Jurassic World is a state-of-the-art wonder, full of astonishing attractions. Kids ride gentle mini Triceratops in the petting zoo, crowds cheer as the aquatic Mosasaurus leaps from a performance pool to snatch a great white shark dangled as a snack, and families gaze with fascination as dinosaurs of every shape and size roam again, all displayed and safely contained for the guests’ amusement. Overseeing the park is Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) who is obviously single and childless. She finds herself playing babysitter to her nephews, Zach, 16, and Gray, 11. They’ve been sent there by their mom but Claire has no time for the distraction of two visiting kids and gives them VIP All Access passes, sending them off to explore the park with an assistant who has even less time that she does. The park’s animals are created by Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong), a geneticist who works for Simon Masrani who is the new owner of the park. Simon demands new animals to keep guests coming back to the park and Dr.Wu creates a genetically modified dinosaur, Indominus rex. whose abilities remain undiscovered. The creature was raised in isolation after eating its only sibling. Owen (Chris Pratt), an ex-military expert in animal behavior who is working at the park is asked to help assess the creature and the security of its containment. Owen has successfully trained a pack of Velociraptors by establishing an alpha relationship that balances the animals precariously between reluctant obedience and predatory revolt. Of course this would not be a JURASSIC PARK film without an experiment that goes array. The Indominus rex escapes and disappears and both dinosaur and human are threatened.
As the film was about to begin I was apprehensive about what I was about to experience. After all this is the fourth trip to the well; what more could they show or new aspects to explore. The answer is found within the park itself. The park is an amusement park, zoo, museum, waterpark (think SeaWorld) all rolled into one. You can even go kayaking with the dinosaurs. However the most interesting attractions of the park are the Gyosphere ride and the unique underwater view given in its aquatic tank. Though it is not specifically stated it appears it is a hotel resort as well. It looks like a very nice place to visit. The opening sequences which set up the park are entertaining but you are not paying your money to see the park. For those that want to see mayhem, the JURASSIC PARK formula is in full effect. The dinosaurs break free, start chasing and eating people, kids in jeopardy, the control room full of computer nerds, characters you cannot wait to see devoured and romance discovered amongst the chaos. Like the first film there are a several action set pieces with the best in both featuring children facing a dinosaur attack on their own.
Taking over the Sam Neill role from Parts 1 and 3 in spirit is Chris Pratt, who is in the process of transforming himself into this generations Bruce Willis. Like Willis, Pratt has gone from goofy comedic television star to credible action hero/leading man. There are rumors that Pratt may take over the classic role of Indiana Jones. While I’m not ready to see him wear the famous fedora or whip based on his work in this film he could take over the character from Harrison Ford. He was a surprise in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY and he is very good as the film action hero.
Despite the sampling from the original film there is one aspect that can never be replicated and that is that film’s sense of awe and wonder. Time has passed and special effects are not as impressive as they were back in 1993 and audiences have seen it all. As one would expect the dinosaur effects are first rate as are all the effects in the film. There are numerous references to the first film but it seems to ignore the subsequent sequels. It positions itself as the true follow up to the original film and leaves part 2 and 3 unessential viewing. It expands on the man versus science theme that was explored in the first film. Because we have the technology to “manufacture” dinosaurs does not mean it has to be done. I had a good time at this film and it continues the trend of summer popcorn entertainment. There are references to JAWS and THE BIRDS for good measures. As with every film that is released in 3D the choice to see it in that format is a choice left for the viewer. While I enjoyed the IMAX 3D presentation the cost of admission for a family of say four would be a small fortune. As with most sequels there is really no need for this film to exist. That being said that does not mean that it is not entertaining. It is formulaic but it works. The film is exciting, fun and offers chills and thrills for young and old. The park is open. Sit back buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Add comment