REVIEW: JURASSIC WORLD

 

I would like to apologize to my regular blog readers for not updating for so long. I have been busy with working on two projects simultaneously and it has taken a lot of my time. I will try to update more movie reviews from now on. Jurassic Park was released in cinemas June 12^th, 2015.

In 1993, a movie title Jurassic Park made film history by setting a benchmark in standards of how movies are made to this very day. The film was directed by legendary director Steven Spielberg based on a novel written by the late Michael Crichton. Back then, the production value (design, cinematography, visual effects, practical effects, etc.) was ahead of its time. I was awed when I watched it then and still feel the same way when I watch the movie now on satellite TV or DVD. Two sequels have since been made, The Lost World and Jurassic Park 3. Now, there is a third sequel (fourth film) titled Jurassic World which features an extension of the initially story with a whole different vibe to it, at least that’s what I see based on the film’s trailers.

The fourth installment is directed by relative newcomer Colin Trevorrow. The film stars Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, B.D.Wong, and Irrfan Khan. The writers for the film are Trevorrow, Derek Connolly, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver. Spielberg serves as Executive Producer while Patrick Crowley and long-time Spielberg collaborator Frank Marshall produces.

How will the fourth film fare compared to its predecessor? Do read on…

Claire Dearing (Howard) and Owen Grady (Pratt)

SYNOPSIS:

Set a couple of decades into the future, a fully functional theme park attraction based on the previous proposed Jurassic Park is opened to the public on a remote island with a new name Jurassic World. Besides being a theme park attraction, the island also consists of a research facility which monitors the many species of dinosaurs on the island. In order to boost attendance, a new dinosaur species is created by lab scientists. Theme park manager Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) is tasked to oversee this new ‘creation’. When things start to go wrong, she seeks the help of resident dinosaur trainer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) to investigate.

 

Dearing nephews played by Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins

 

SCRIPT:

Quite organized and enjoyable. The script has a quite a good structure as it follows three separate plots which connects into one major plot. Despite several loopholes in the plots, it is easily understandable and does not lose so much attention. Some plots can be a little far-fetched but it is meant to be that way. The dialogue was a little overblown with scientific jargon but still understandable. There were good comic relief moments but too little of them to even out the mood of the film/ I liked that the film explored a ‘unique’ relationship between humans and dinosaurs.

 

Owen and Clair make a discovery

 

ACTING:

Pretty fair and exciting. The film’s lead actors Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard did very well in their roles. The supporting actors were fairly mediocre was just there to fill in blanks. Most of their performance were based on the element of fear for dangerous situations. After the recent success of Guardians of the Galaxy, Pratt puts in another fine performance to enhance the film.

 

Bryce Dallas Howard as park manager Claire Dearing

 

FILMING: 

Director Colin Trevorrow is relatively new to the Hollywood scene. I think he did an exceptional job in handling a big budget Hollywood studio film. The action was good and exciting. However, he lack the ability of carving a smooth story which eventually became a little messy. The production design was great and the visual effects were top notch.

 

Director Colin Trevorrow directing Chris Pratt

 

PACING:

A little slow at first but picks up pace in the middle which slowly build to an exciting climax.

TONE (MOOD):

Innocent lives are faced with deadly danger and tensions build among the heroes as they aim to stop more destruction from threatening lives.

 

Director Colin Trevorrow using his viewfinder to compose a shot

 

DOWNSIDE:

The plot can seem a little too far-fetched and ridiculous. A bit too ‘kiddy’ for adults to enjoy at times.

UPSIDE:

Great visual effects, sound design, and action.

Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) the Velociraptor trainer

OVERALL: 
It is a summer ‘popcorn’ film. Semi-okay story and full of adventure.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10