‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Review: Not Extinct After All

The dinosaurs have been extinct for many centuries, and for many years, it seemed like the Jurassic World franchise was awaiting the same fate. What started extremely strong in 1993 has become more generic and lifeless. However, the latest instalment returns to the Jurassic World roots and roaringly breathes new life into the franchise. With impeccable set pieces that undeniably ooze the Steven Spielberg style, a great mix of tension and horror, and a hint of romance, this entry proves that the franchise isn’t completely extinct after all.

Back to basics with modern touches is the vision of screenwriter David Koepp (Panic Room) and director Gareth Edwards (The Creator) for this feature. The dinosaurs return in full force as they, just like in the very first movie, are terrifying and enormous, but at the same time, also slightly beautiful creatures. Apart from the oh-so-adorable Dolores, the T. Rex, Quetzalcoatlus, Spinosaurus, and more wreak havoc, death, and destruction straight from the beginning. The darker, more serious and deadly tone that has been set during the “17 years previously” flashback will be running throughout the entire work, even when you return to the present day.

While people have accepted the existence of dinosaurs – although I’m not sure if we would do the same – the only remaining extraordinary creatures have been living in and around Île Saint-Hubert in the Caribbean. It’s the lushly looking fictional island and its treacherous waters that are the stage for the majority of the story. After the creepy, conniving, slick big shot pharma boss Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend; The Death of Stalin) gathers a team, including ex-miliary Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) and palaeontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), they set out to the island.

The goal is to gather blood samples from the three dinosaur types to develop life-changing medicine. However, catching a dinosaur on land, in the sea and in the air is already hard enough, let alone taking genetic samples. During the off-the-grid trip, the team save the Delgado family, which was stranded at sea and is going on a parallel journey of its own. That second big storyline might feel a bit out of place as it both derails Krebs’ plan and the feature, but throughout the movie, it certainly proves its necessity.

Whether it’s the Delgado family trying to escape from the dinosaurs or Krebs’ team looking for the giant beasts, a ferocious encounter with dinos rarely works well for humans. However, it works incredibly well for this feature. The truly immersive fights result in adrenaline-fuelled action, impressive thrills and even a slight horror atmosphere. Whether it’s seeing the gigantic monsters going for the instant kill, the dinosaurs rearing their heads, or just hearing their chilling roar, a sense of dread and fright is always present.

For the Jurassic World enthusiasts, there’s excellent news: the film features many well-timed nods to the original work. Whether it’s the scenes during which unaware characters slowly and dramatically meet their untimely death, the gas station convenience store scene, which is the perfect re-enactment of the Jurassic Park kitchen scene, or the traditional score (in a richer arrangement by Alexandre Desplat though), Koepp and Edwards indeed honour the true inspiration for their work. The same goes for cinematographer John Mathieson (Gladiator). Just like Spielberg, he uses Panavision cameras as well as 35mm lenses, which certainly have the intended effect. The jungles of Thailand, which serve as the perfect stand-in for the island, look gorgeous despite all the dangers lurking in the dense vegetation.  

To ensure that Jurassic World Rebirth doesn’t become a full copy-paste of Spielberg’s feature, there are also some new and still equally impactful tricks. The moment during which an inflatable boat seems the only way out certainly is one of the most gripping ones throughout the 134-minute runtime. It’s the impeccable Jurassic World equivalent of the ‘opening and closing of the fridge’ moment in every horror movie.

While those tense scenes and the breathtaking cinematography are indeed the key elements that keep you on your toes, an action-packed story like this needs something extra to be more fulfilling and multilayered. If there’s no emotional core and/or human connection between the script and the audience, a movie like this can become pure action that would undoubtedly feel repetitive. Edwards knows that and therefore offers a mix of energetic fights and more relatable and touching storylines.

There are doubts about what’s right and wrong, the importance of family and, of course, some love. That latter results in great chemistry between the bad-ass Johansson (Black Widow) and the nerdy-looking Bailey (Wicked). While their characters couldn’t be further apart, both performances are on-point. They add a flirty vibe, banter, humour and charm to this feature. Humour is mainly at the expense of Henry and his unpreparedness for field ops. No matter how many dinosaurs you’ve studied at the museum, when being out in the field, it seems that no academic knowledge can prepare you for what’s to come.

Something you won’t be ready for as well is the wonderous valley where grazing titanosaurs are. While the tenderness the animals show towards each other is extremely tangible, captivating, and enthralling, it’s Bailey who delivers a scene-stealing performance. His Henry feels like a dumbstruck kid in a candy store, and when he’s capable of stroking one of the dinos, his emotions take over. It’ll undoubtedly make you tear up a little, mainly because of the tender music accompanying the visuals.

It’s crystal clear that Edwards has a passion for dinosaurs and Spielberg (there’s even a Jaws reference). While this feature won’t be one that people will be talking about years to come, it’s one this franchise certainly needed. It either will allow the franchise to end on a high or to keep on going as the thrilling chases, spectacular visuals, and human connection ensure that this feature is a blast.

Jurassic World Rebirth is out in cinemas on the 2nd of July courtesy of Universal Pictures