With the release of Jurassic World: Rebirth, fans eagerly anticipated a cinematic adventure filled with dinosaurs, action, and the thrill of survival. Featuring an all-star cast including **Scarlett Johansson**, **Jonathan Bailey**, and **Mahershala Ali**, along with **Gareth Edwards** at the helm, expectations were sky-high. However, despite the promising setup, this film leaves viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. Let’s delve into what worked, what didn’t, and why this installment struggles to leave a lasting impact.
Plot Overview
Set five years after the events of Jurassic World: Dominion, the world has become indifferent to the majestic dinosaurs roaming the Earth. **Museums are closing** and **dinosaurs are relegated** to increasingly diminishing habitats. A medical company, led by **Martin Krebs** (Rupert Friend), concocts a plan to capture dinosaur DNA to develop a groundbreaking heart medication. They assemble a dynamic team, featuring **Zora Bennett** (Scarlett Johansson), **Dr. Henry Loomis** (Jonathan Bailey), and seasoned boat captain **Duncan Kincaid** (Mahershala Ali), to execute this audacious mission.
The plot thickens when a family on a sailing trip encounters a group of aggressive aquatic dinosaurs, forcing the team to divert from their meticulous plan and embark on a quest to save them. This detour introduces a chaotic dynamic to the narrative, as they scramble to survive amid the dangers of a dinosaur-infested island.
The Good of Jurassic World: Rebirth

Despite its shortcomings, there are elements that resonate well with fans of the franchise. **Gareth Edwards’ direction** is a standout, bringing breathtaking visuals and a sense of awe reminiscent of the original films. The **cinematography is stunning**, capturing the lush landscapes and menacing dinosaurs with a captivating flair that keeps viewers glued to the screen. The film’s score, a nostalgic nod to the iconic themes, elicits emotional responses from seasoned fans.
**Action sequences** are intense and engaging, particularly the opening sequence on the boat, which effectively sets the tone for high-stakes adventure. Johansson shines in her role, showcasing her action chops alongside Ali, whose chemistry adds depth to their characters. The animatronics and CGI bring the dinosaurs to life with remarkable detail, drawing admiration for the impressive visual effects.
The Bad of Jurassic World: Rebirth

However, **character development** suffers significantly in this film. While Johansson and her co-stars deliver engaging performances, the story lacks **depth** in exploring their backgrounds and motivations. Viewers are left wanting as the film doesn’t sufficiently flesh out their characters, making it difficult to form emotional connections.
Moreover, the film’s central antagonist, the **D-Rex**, is underutilized. Although marketed as a key feature, it appears sparingly, relegating its presence to a frustrating tease. The obligatory T-Rex scene fails to deliver the excitement and tension expected from a franchise renowned for memorable dinosaur encounters.
The Ugly of Jurassic World: Rebirth

The film’s pacing is notably disrupted by the introduction of a family subplot that feels more like a distraction than a contribution. Their storyline often interrupts the pacing, dampening the thrill seasoned viewers seek. In particular, the portrayal of the **young character Bella** can feel grating, detracting from the high-stakes tension that the primary cast endeavored to build.
While familial themes are common in cinematic storytelling, this film’s approach feels cliched and contrived. **Wasted potential** results from sidelining the main cast’s dynamics in favor of the family’s journey, ultimately losing the charm and excitement characteristic of a **Jurassic** film.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag with Dinos

Jurassic World: Rebirth certainly has its highlights – stunning visuals, thrilling action, and a star-studded cast. However, **issues with character depth**, underutilized plot points, and pacing complications hinder its potential. It’s clear that a great **Jurassic Park** movie could have emerged from this iteration, but the execution leaves much to be desired. As audiences look forward to its release on **July 2, 2025**, there’s a lingering hope that the next chapter in the franchise will reclaim the magic of its predecessors.
For more captivating reviews, check out our section on film critiques and discussions at That Hashtag Show. Dive into the discussion and share your thoughts on this thrilling yet tumultuous journey back to the age of dinosaurs!