The 1993 film, Jurassic Park, was a massive success. With Back to the Future (1, 2 and 3), Ghostbusters, and numerous Star Trek films being released no more than a decade previously, it’s interesting to see how in a world where future technology was explored, the creatures of the past were popular. Arguably, of course, the premise for the blockbuster does include sci-fi technology, scientists being able to successfully clone the prehistoric lizards, which have been extinct for millions of years. Nevertheless, instead of space travel, time travel, or modified vacuums that can apparently trap spirits, Spielberg gives his audience a rag tag group of humans, who misjudged the effects of their decision. Perhaps the film speaks to so many because of the wish to bring back dinosaurs, just to see if they could. Let’s be honest, although it is an incredibly stupid decision, I suspect it is certainly one that we would all be tempted to make.
The fourth sequel to the hit film, titled ‘Jurassic World’, was recently released, where the dream of the original story became a reality. A theme park, where people of all ages can learn, and interact, with living, breathing, dinosaurs. Despite following the original twenty-two years later, director Colin Trevorrow still manages to keep the initial sense of wonder alive, even incorporating some old-school style camera shots, and multiple references to the first three movies. This, the remastered score, and the once only thought of theme park now a booming business, is the synopsis for the film. A film which is new, certainly, but in no way divorced from the franchise which many love.
However, dated nineties attitudes, sadly, are also present within the film. The romantic subplot between businesswoman Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard), second in command, and ranger Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), is extremely weak, with no relevance to the plot whatsoever. However, as women and men can obviously not be friends, the writers had no choice whatsoever except to pen in what can only be described as a rushed, empty love story. This may also be due to the fact that there is very little characterisation within the movie. Part of its early nineties aura is because it’s essentially a chase film. It has little in it, except humans trying to get away from dinosaurs, and dinosaurs trying to attack humans. It is also, however, incredibly well done. The pace is kept well, so it is almost impossible to lose focus, and certain sudden appearances will undoubtedly make the audience jump in their seats. This does mean that little character development occurs, but for many, and certainly those who are fans of the original franchise, it is forgivable.
Despite it’s flaws, Jurassic World is a positive edition to the franchise. Its echoes of the original film, and fast pace certainly make it worth watching, and possibly worth seeing more than once. Whilst there are certainly some areas the film skips over quite quickly, let’s face it, it can’t be as bad as Jurassic Park III.
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