The Jurassic Park franchise, once a groundbreaking cinematic experience, seems to be losing its luster with its latest installment, Jurassic World Rebirth. Directed by Gareth Edwards and penned by David Koepp, the film struggles to breathe new life into a series that has captivated audiences for over three decades. Released amidst high expectations, the film is now drawing criticism for its lack of innovation and excitement.
Set several years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, Jurassic World Rebirth attempts to navigate a world where dinosaurs are once again on the brink of extinction. The narrative unfolds as the prehistoric creatures find themselves at odds with modern environments, surviving only in equatorial climates. This scenario sets the stage for Martin Krebs, a big pharma executive played by Rupert Friend, who seeks to exploit dinosaur DNA for a heart disease cure.
Plot and Character Dynamics
The film introduces Zora Bennett, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, a seasoned soldier hired by Krebs to lead an expedition to a perilous island. This island, once an InGen research facility, now houses free-roaming mutant dinosaurs. Accompanying Bennett is Dr. Henry Loomis, a paleontologist played by Jonathan Bailey, who reluctantly joins the mission due to his fascination with dinosaurs and the impending closure of his museum.
Meanwhile, a subplot involving the Delgado family, led by Reuben Delgado (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), unfolds as they encounter amphibious dinosaurs during a sailing trip. The family’s SOS is intercepted by Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), Bennett’s associate, leading to a rescue mission that intertwines with the main plot. However, the film struggles to weave these narratives into a cohesive story, leaving both plotlines underdeveloped.
Visuals vs. Substance
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Jurassic World Rebirth boasts impressive visual effects. Gareth Edwards, known for his directorial prowess in visual storytelling, delivers stunning CGI sequences. A standout moment features a Tyrannosaurus Rex chasing a river raft, a nod to Michael Crichton’s original novel. Cinematographer John Mathieson enhances these visuals with sharp cinematography, adding a layer of menace to the creature portrayals.
However, the film’s reliance on visual spectacle cannot mask its lack of depth. The characters, including the Delgado family and the expedition team, are thinly sketched, offering little for audiences to connect with. The potential romantic tension between Bennett and Dr. Loomis is hinted at but never explored, leaving viewers wanting more from their interactions.
Missed Opportunities and Franchise Fatigue
The film’s narrative raises several questions that remain unanswered, such as the existence of the island and its historical significance. The presence of temples and ruins suggests intriguing backstories that are never fully explored. Additionally, the introduction of mutant dinosaurs, like the D-Rex, feels forced and lacks proper explanation, further detracting from the film’s coherence.
“Jurassic World Rebirth now brings the franchise to a point where it’s just pointlessly spinning its wheels and pumping out grotesque, hybrid creations much like InGen rather than creating a new adventure with a genuinely innovative or exciting new plot.”
This critique underscores the film’s failure to capitalize on its rich lore, opting instead to reset the status quo established by its predecessor. The focus on mutant hybrids over traditional dinosaurs reflects a self-fulfilling prophecy of waning public interest, as the film itself acknowledges.
The Future of the Jurassic Franchise
As Jurassic World Rebirth draws mixed reviews, the future of the franchise hangs in the balance. With a hefty $180 million budget, the film struggles to justify its existence beyond being a visual spectacle. The franchise, much like Universal Studios Hollywood’s Jurassic Park: The Ride, appears to be in a state of disrepair, continuing to churn out films without a strong narrative foundation.
Looking ahead, the series must evolve beyond its current formula to regain its former glory. New creative directions and innovative storytelling are essential to revitalize the franchise and engage audiences once more. As it stands, Jurassic World Rebirth serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when a beloved series fails to adapt and grow with its audience.
