Jurassic World Rebirth: A Dull Dinosaur Encounter
The Jurassic franchise has always held a special place in the hearts of moviegoers, showcasing thrilling encounters with awe-inspiring dinosaurs. Yet, in Jurassic World Rebirth, which hits theaters this Wednesday, the magic feels somewhat lost, leaving fans with a mixed bag of excitement and disappointment.
The Premise: Overcomplicated and Mundane
Set several years after the events of 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion, the film’s narrative jumps through hoops like an acrobat. The core idea—that dinosaurs once enjoyed freedom but have now faced a resurgence of mortality due to climate change and diseases—feels convoluted. Even the thrilling aspect of "dinosaurs eating people" becomes dull when disconnected from a meaningful plot.
As the film begins, viewers learn that dinosaurs have migrated to tropical regions near the Equator, and traveling to these areas is heavily restricted. This set-up leads to a comedic scene in New York where a brontosaurus causes a traffic jam, but instead of fear, the onlookers seem more annoyed about the delay—highlighting a significant thematic flaw: the public’s growing apathy towards dinosaurs.
The Mission: An Unsatisfying Venture
Enter Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), who hires the capable Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) to lead a covert expedition. Their aim? To extract heart samples from the largest dinosaurs to research treatments for coronary diseases. Along for the ride are paleontologist Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) and captain Duncan Kinkaid (Mahershala Ali). However, the film struggles under the weight of its own narrative complexity.
The idea of utilizing dinosaurs for medical advancements feels far-fetched when audiences have already suspended disbelief while accepting DNA extraction from fossilized mosquitoes. Now, asking them to believe that these majestic beasts could solve heart disease seems like a creative misstep.
A Misunderstood Franchise
One of the film’s more puzzling decisions is its portrayal of dinosaurs as a mundane nuisance. How can a franchise built around the excitement of these prehistoric creatures diminish their significance in a blockbuster format? The apparent disinterest of the in-film public contradicts the ongoing fascination fans have for dinosaurs in reality.
Instead of delivering thrilling encounters with Tyrannosaurus Rexes and raptors—the very reason moviegoers flock to the theater—Jurassic World Rebirth introduces a series of mutant hybrid dinosaurs, which comes off as unnecessary. Why not lean into the tried-and-true fan favorites? As the film progresses, the T-Rex remains the standout, showcasing that certain franchises should trust their roots.
Characters and Thematic Confusion
The film further complicates itself by introducing more characters, such as Reuben Delgado (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and his two daughters, who seem to get caught in the chaos. While this move injects some family drama, it detracts from the core mission and adds another layer of confusion.
Visuals and Direction
Director Gareth Edwards strives to infuse some fresh visual flair into the franchise, employing creative specials effects techniques. However, some sequences, like a rappelling scene followed by an abrupt reveal of stairs, feel disjointed and poorly conceived. The anticipation of dinosaurs lurking behind characters isn’t as impactful as the simple tremors of water glasses in the original Jurassic Park.
Conclusion: A Hope for the Future
Jurassic World Rebirth isn’t the worst entry in the franchise—that title still belongs to Dominion. However, reviving the magic of these films will require a thoughtful approach. It’s time for filmmakers to remember that audiences crave purely thrilling experiences with dinosaurs, rather than convoluted plots.
In Summary: While Jurassic World Rebirth contains some entertaining moments and flashes of brilliance, it ultimately struggles under its own complexity. If the franchise can return to its roots and trust in what made it popular to begin with, future installments may once again capture the wonder of dinosaurs.
Fred Topel brings over two decades of film criticism experience to the conversation, having covered film and entertainment for various outlets. His insights are rooted in a rich understanding of cinematic storytelling, making his reviews a valuable resource for fans and critics alike.
