Jurassic World Rebirth: First Reviews Are In – Dino Mayhem at Its Best!
After an exhilarating journey through two trilogies and various animated series spanning over three decades, the Jurassic franchise continues to captivate audiences with its latest installment, Jurassic World: Rebirth. Directed by the acclaimed Gareth Edwards (known for Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), this film features Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey in a standalone narrative that diverges from previous dinosaur tales. As reviews pour in, opinions are mixed; yet, some critics label it as the most thrilling and scariest entry since Steven Spielberg’s original film.
Let’s dig deeper into what critics are saying about Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Does it Live Up to Expectations?
Longtime fans are likely to relive their childhood nostalgia with this installment. As David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter notes, “Longtime fans should have a blast.” This sentiment is echoed by critics who praise the film for revitalizing the classic blockbuster spirit that many feared was lost.
Peter Gray from The AU Review states, “Jurassic World: Rebirth brings back a sense of classic blockbuster mentality.”
- Danielle Solzman from Solzy at the Movies enthuses, “The film delivers roaring thrills and dino-sized action, proving the franchise still has bite 32 years later.”
However, it’s not all praise. Critics also express concerns about the film’s originality. Joey Magidson from Awards Radar comments, “For better or worse, it’s more of the same,” reminding viewers that familiarity can sometimes feel like a creative rut.
Where Does It Rank in the Franchise?
As the franchise evolves, many are curious about how Rebirth holds up against its predecessors.
Enthusiastic Praise
Katie Smith-Wong from Flick Feast calls it “the best Jurassic film in years.”
- Liz Shannon Miller from Consequence ranks it as the “second-best Jurassic movie ever made.”
Cautionary Notes
On the flip side, some critics are not as impressed. David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter asserts that Rebirth “is unlikely to top anyone’s ranked franchise list,” suggesting even strong showings are tempered by nostalgia for earlier films.
Is It Different from Other Films?
One of the central questions remains: does Rebirth carve out its own identity?
Liz Shannon Miller points out that the film attempts to challenge traditional tropes, asking, “what if mercenaries weren’t the worst human beings on the planet?”
- The film also introduces strong female characters with a refreshing perspective. As Peter Debruge notes in Variety, “It’s especially satisfying to get a woman in the role of the team’s toughest member, with no obligation to be anyone’s love interest.”
Despite these innovations, some critiques indicate that the film doesn’t stray far enough from formulaic storytelling. Joey Magidson mentions that it doesn’t do much “too different from what the franchise is known for.”
What Does It Get Right About the Franchise?
Despite criticisms, many aspects of the Jurassic formula still resonate well with fans.
Liz Shannon Miller emphasizes the “disaster-movie mentality,” reminding viewers of the survival stories that made the franchise a classic.
- The characters are granted depth, with Gareth Edwards and screenwriter David Koepp successfully prioritizing the human element over monstrous threats, a formula reminiscent of Spielberg’s original vision.
What About the Special Effects and Visuals?
Visuals and CGI are crucial in any dino-centric narrative. Edwards does not disappoint here.
Critics hail the VFX quality, asserting that they achieve a level of visual brilliance that allows audiences to suspend disbelief and feel engrossed in the story.
- As reported by both Katie Smith-Wong and David Rooney, the special effects are “first-rate,” with stunning visuals that elevate action sequences and make each dinosaur encounter a feast for the eyes.
Will It Make Us Excited for More Jurassic World?
As the film opens in theaters on July 2, 2025, one pressing question remains: does Rebirth set the stage for future adventures?
While some critics, like Liz Shannon Miller, suggest it feels very much like a standalone adventure, Danielle Solzman believes it offers a satisfying conclusion, blending various genres into a thrilling tribute to Spielberg’s classics.
Regardless, if more films do come, they must address both storytelling depth and emotional resonance to reignite audience excitement.
In Conclusion: Jurassic World: Rebirth is a film that promises nostalgic thrills combined with stunning visuals. However, whether it truly revitalizes the franchise or simply rehashes past successes remains a topic of hot debate among audiences. For those eager to embark on this dino-drenched adventure, mark your calendars!
Explore more about Jurassic World Rebirth on Rotten Tomatoes!
