Nate At The Movies

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.

As anyone who’s read my recent reviews would know, I’ve had many a doubt about the Jurassic Park franchise, and I was nervous that Rebirth couldn’t right the ship. I’m glad to report, though, that I was wrong about Rebirth, and I had a pretty good time at the theater this 4th of July.

The formula for a Jurassic Park movie is well-worn, so despite the “humans get too involved with the dinosaurs and they don’t like it” trope being exercised again here, there was a ton of new plot added to make the affair feel more novel. For starters, survival wasn’t the only goal for this team. In most of the other films, the characters come in with some sort of objective and have to abandon it to stay alive; this time around, the characters are adaptable enough to stay alive while also occasionally experiencing joy and success and eventually completing their objective! I didn’t know I needed that until I got it, but thank goodness.

This team was also way more engaging, less boneheaded, and had actors that I actually enjoyed watching, especially sweet Jonathan Bailey. He was the dramatic and emotional rock of this movie, especially in the moments where he got to take in the majesty of the dinosaurs he had only ever seen in books and fossils. Those moments were actually quite touching.

The return of a solid family dynamic was also fantastic. I loved the Delgados, and even though it took some warming up, I eventually got on the side of Xavier, who was easily the film’s funniest character. Rebirth also had no problem being funny in uncomfortable and insane circumstances; I’d be cracking jokes if I was there, too.

I enjoyed Alexandre Desplat’s score and Edwards’ visuals, and overall was very surprised by how much I enjoyed this reboot of the franchise. Jurassic World Rebirth wasn’t up to the level of the original—I don’t think this franchise has it in them—but it’ll certainly compete with Jurassic World for 2nd-best, which, given the franchise’s recent outputs, is a huge step in the right direction. Whether or not they choose to continue this franchise (they really don’t need to—this film left the world in a stable place), if they keep Jonathan Bailey employed, I’ll be there.