TheReviewAwakens

All 3 Jurassic Park films are currently showing on Netflix. This is of course ignoring the modern Jurassic world films with Chris Pratt that have truly failed to impress audiences as of yet. It was Steven Spielberg’s unique take on a genre that had not been fully recognized to audiences, in the original Jurassic Park (1993). A film that would delve deep into the world of dinosaurs but with a blockbuster budget. As the series progress, many would bash The Lost World (1997) as being widely different to the original. However, the 3rd film which has the lowest score on rotten tomatoes of 49% has been culturally panned as a disastrous sequel. I’m here to prove them wrong!

1. Dr Grant! The film goes back to its core roots. It has the one and only Doctor Grant! There is no denying that the first film would have lost a lot of charm without Doctor Grant. He’s reliable, witty and intelligent. Easily one of cinemas most iconic on screen doctors. To see him return from his absence from The lost World (1997) is refreshing. This time you see him interact with new cast members. You see his personality shine and at times clash with Billy Brennan(Alessandro Nivola) and Paul Kirby (William H Macey). You feel that he is the most knowledgeable of the group and he enjoys asserting his intelligence over them, but it never comes across as arrogant. This makes for some entertaining scenes.

2. The Action Sequences. This film packs a sense of adventure. I believe more so than its predecessor. Director Joe Johnston always keep the pace moving through exploring new territories that pack both visual curiosity and nostalgia. In particular, visiting the genetics lab reminds us of the first film and emphasizes just how dangerous scientific experiments can pan out. This time you see it completely wrecked. However, I’ve always believed the 1st action sequence involving the plane is incredibly effective and criminally underrated. It sets the scene for what is to come by introducing us to a new villain, the Spinosaurus. The director puts you through the environment and makes you feel a part of this team delving into unknown territories. When one man gets left behind, it begins to spark great fear for everyone on board. Its a very scary concept to imagine….

3. Its run time! There is nothing wrong with having a 2 hour long dinosaur film. However, this film is very effective at delivering its ideas in a short time period. With a run time of 1h 32 mins, it makes for a perfect Friday night experience. The set up is short and well explained. We get into the bulk of the films story relatively quickly. This time we explore a different sector from the original films location. This idea makes the film more original and unique, which is impressive to say for a third entry in a franchise based of dinosaurs.

4. Contained Storyline. The storyline, while at times very hard to believe, is never over stuffed with unnecessary visuals, like the latter Jurassic World films. The spectacle is very plausible which gives the film a more realistic and claustrophobic sense. The idea of two parents finding their missing son on one of the most dangerous islands of all time, is a far different storyline than its predecessors. Its not entirely based on complete new discoveries and concepts, its telling a genuine story set in a disastrous large scale world, that many audiences may relate too in the sense of doing absolutely anything and everything for your children or your loved ones. Going the extra mile that several people would not go. Its that feeling of the unknown that makes the film unpredictable at first glance.

In anticipation of the upcoming Jurassic World: Dominion (2021), I would recommend a re-watch of all three films. Play close attention to the points made about the 3rd film as this may make you re-evaluate your opinion on the films quality.