(Photo Credit: Universal Pictures)
Resurrecting the Extinct
Thanks to “Jurassic World,” I think I have found the secret to creating a masterful sequel to an iconic movie franchise.
Filmmakers should wait over 20 years, let their ideas marinate and let fans think that the tale is extinct, and then hit them upside the head with another classic.
In “Jurassic World,” director Colin Trevorrow has done just that, creating a new star in young Ty Simpkins in the process.
Gray (Simpkins) is obsessed with Earth’s prehistoric ancestors.
He knows everything about dinosaurs and even spends his alone time looking at the massive creatures on his View Master.
Gray also knows that his parents’ marriage is on the rocks even if his older brother Zach (Nick Robinson) has not picked up on the warning signs.
The impending divorce is the real reason the brothers are sent to visit their aunt Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) at Jurassic World, a massive amusement park with real and virtual dinosaurs for attendees to view, enjoy and learn about.
Always looking to make Jurassic World a better attraction for visitors, Masrani (Irrfan Khan) wants his scientists to create an even bigger and scarier dinosaur.
Thanks to gene splicing, employees like Claire do not even know what the dinosaur is made of because much of its DNA is classified.
Unfortunately for all involved, some have ulterior motives for creating the dinosaur and its intelligence and wrath are more than any of them can handle.
The new dinosaur hybrid is even clever enough to hustle its captors into thinking it has escaped its enclosure, and smart enough to camouflage itself from those trying to contain it.
When it comes to revitalizing an iconic film franchise, “Jurassic World” is as close to perfection as possible.
The estimated $150 million budget, according to imdb.com, is money well spent.
The aerial scenes of the landscape within and around the theme park are breathtaking and absolutely beautiful.
Dinosaurs are eerily realistic looking just like they were in the original “Jurassic Park.”
But despite the horror inflicted by the dinosaurs, the talents of Chris Pratt (Owen) and Vincent D’Onofrio (Hoskins), and the breathtaking special effects, young Simpkins is by far the breakout star of the film.
His exuberance over seeing the dinosaurs and learning more about them not only converts his older brother into a dinosaur lover, but may also convert those who view the film as well.
Furthermore, his love for his older brother and his parents maybe the motivation needed to keep the family together despite the turmoil inside their home and inside the amusement park.
Additionally, the film emphasizes the danger that is created when science is used for evil purposes and to re-create things that should always remain extinct.
We live in a time in which scientific discovery is fascinating, but only if used for the right reasons.
If used for the wrong reasons, catastrophe can be the result not advancement.
Regardless, Trevorrow definitely advances this long dormant film franchise.
“Jurassic World” resurrects the nearly extinct “Jurassic Park” franchise and it does so without endangering its legacy like the dinosaur endangers those who dare to venture into the Jurassic World theme park.
REGAL RATINGS
FOUR CROWNS=EXCELLENT
THREE CROWNS=GOOD
TWO CROWNS=AVERAGE
ONE CROWN=POOR
