“Jurassic World,” released in 2015, was one of the most anticipated films of the year, bringing audiences back to the beloved Jurassic Park franchise. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the movie serves as a direct sequel to the original “Jurassic Park” trilogy, although set 22 years after the events of the first film. The movie was not only meant to reintroduce the world of dinosaurs to a new generation but also to satisfy long-time fans who had been eagerly awaiting a return to Isla Nublar.
The basic premise of “Jurassic World” revolves around a fully operational dinosaur theme park. This park, also named Jurassic World, is everything John Hammond had envisioned in the original “Jurassic Park.” It’s a highly successful tourist destination where visitors can view genetically engineered dinosaurs in a controlled environment. However, as expected in any film related to the “Jurassic Park” franchise, things don’t stay controlled for long.
The storyline centers on Claire Dearing (played by Bryce Dallas Howard), the operations manager of Jurassic World, and her two nephews, Zach and Gray, who come to visit her at the park. Claire, too busy with work, leaves the boys in the care of her assistant. The film introduces Owen Grady (played by Chris Pratt), a former Navy officer now working as a Velociraptor trainer at the park. His character adds a sense of rugged heroism and competence that contrasts with Claire’s more corporate, detached approach to the park’s operations.
The plot takes a darker turn when it’s revealed that the park’s scientists, led by Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong), have created a new genetically modified dinosaur called the Indominus Rex. This creature is larger, more intelligent, and deadlier than any of the other dinosaurs on the island. The idea behind creating this hybrid is rooted in corporate greed and the desire to boost park attendance, as visitors had begun to lose interest in seeing the same old dinosaurs. However, the Indominus Rex is too intelligent for its own good and escapes its enclosure, leading to chaos throughout the park.
One of the film’s key strengths lies in its ability to tap into nostalgia. From the very first scene, the movie makes a conscious effort to remind viewers of the magic of the original “Jurassic Park.” The island of Isla Nublar, the familiar T. rex paddock, and the theme park’s layout evoke memories of the original film. There are numerous nods to the past, including a visit to the old Visitor Center and a subtle yet powerful use of John Williams’ original score. These moments effectively bring back the sense of wonder and terror that Steven Spielberg’s original film had mastered.
However, “Jurassic World” also attempts to modernize the franchise by introducing new themes. One of these is the concept of consumerism and corporate control. In the film, Jurassic World is no longer a mere scientific endeavor; it’s a full-blown commercial enterprise. The park has corporate sponsors, product placements, and engineered dinosaurs to cater to consumer demands. This commentary on modern consumer culture feels relevant and adds an interesting layer of critique to the film.
The Indominus Rex itself is a reflection of this theme. It’s not a natural dinosaur, but one created to be bigger, scarier, and more profitable. The ethical implications of genetic modification and the consequences of humans playing god are subtly woven into the narrative, although they are not explored with the same depth as they were in the original “Jurassic Park.” Instead, the focus is more on the thrills and spectacle, which is both a strength and a weakness of the film.
From a visual standpoint, “Jurassic World” excels. The CGI dinosaurs are beautifully rendered, and the action sequences are intense and well-choreographed. The Indominus Rex is an impressive creature, and its rampage across the park is both terrifying and exhilarating. The climactic battle between the T. rex, the Indominus Rex, and the Velociraptors is a clear highlight, offering a satisfying and nostalgic payoff for long-time fans of the franchise.
One of the film’s standout characters is Owen Grady. Chris Pratt’s portrayal of the character is charismatic, and he brings a sense of humor and physicality that fits well within the Jurassic Park universe. Owen’s relationship with the Velociraptors, particularly Blue, adds an emotional element to the film that feels fresh and different from the previous entries in the franchise. The idea of training and bonding with dinosaurs, while scientifically questionable, provides some of the film’s most engaging moments.
Bryce Dallas Howard’s character, Claire, undergoes a significant transformation throughout the movie. Initially portrayed as a career-driven executive who views the dinosaurs as mere assets, she gradually becomes more compassionate and connected to the animals, especially as she fights to protect her nephews from the escalating danger. While her character development is somewhat predictable, it provides a necessary emotional arc in a film dominated by action and spectacle.
The child characters, Zach and Gray, serve as the audience’s entry point into the world of Jurassic World. Like the kids in the original “Jurassic Park,” they find themselves in mortal danger and must navigate the park’s chaos. While their subplot doesn’t add much depth to the overall narrative, it does provide a few tense and emotional moments, particularly when they explore the abandoned parts of the original park.
Despite its strengths, “Jurassic World” does have some notable flaws. One of the main criticisms of the film is its reliance on spectacle over substance. While the action is thrilling and the visuals are stunning, the film lacks the depth and philosophical underpinnings of the original “Jurassic Park.” The ethical questions surrounding cloning, genetic modification, and the consequences of human arrogance are touched upon but never fully explored. Instead, the movie focuses more on delivering big set pieces and thrilling dinosaur battles.
Another criticism is the film’s treatment of its female lead, Claire. While she does undergo a transformation, her character is initially portrayed in a somewhat stereotypical manner. She’s the career woman who needs to loosen up and embrace her maternal instincts, a trope that feels outdated and unnecessary. Additionally, the decision to have her run through the jungle in high heels throughout the entire film was widely mocked by audiences and critics alike.
The supporting characters, particularly the corporate villain Hoskins (Vincent D’Onofrio), feel underdeveloped and one-dimensional. Hoskins’ desire to militarize the Velociraptors is an interesting concept, but it’s never fully explored or given the attention it deserves. Instead, he becomes a generic antagonist whose motivations are driven by greed and power, without much depth or nuance.
In terms of pacing, “Jurassic World” does an admirable job of building tension in its first half. The gradual buildup to the Indominus Rex’s escape is handled well, and there are several suspenseful moments as the park’s security team tries to track down the creature. However, the second half of the film becomes more action-driven, with less emphasis on character development and more focus on set-piece-driven chaos.
“Jurassic World” also grapples with the challenge of being both a sequel and a reboot. It tries to appeal to both longtime fans of the original trilogy and new audiences unfamiliar with the earlier films. This balancing act sometimes works against the film, as it can feel like it’s trying to do too much at once. There are moments where it feels like a rehash of the original “Jurassic Park,” while other times it pushes into new territory, but not always successfully.
Nevertheless, “Jurassic World” succeeds in one crucial area: it’s a fun, entertaining movie. Despite its flaws, it delivers the kind of dinosaur thrills and adventure that audiences have come to expect from the franchise. The action is exciting, the dinosaurs are impressive, and the nostalgia is well-placed. It may not have the depth or originality of the first “Jurassic Park,” but it’s an enjoyable summer blockbuster that brings dinosaurs back to the big screen in a big way.