Movie Review: 'Jurassic World Rebirth' Revives the Franchise with an exhilarating New Chapter

WASHINGTON — The “Jurassic Park” franchise has roared back with a new installment, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” proving that life still thrives in the world of dinosaurs. This latest film reinvigorates the series, moving past the repetitive cat-and-mouse tension that characterized some recent entries.

Screenwriter David Koepp, who crafted the original, teams up with director Gareth Edwards, known for “Godzilla,” to breathe fresh air into the franchise. Visually stunning, “Jurassic World Rebirth” shifts the narrative away from shadows into the sunlight, presenting an inviting palette that highlights these ancient creatures.

The film unfolds five years after “Jurassic World Dominion,” introducing new characters against the backdrop of the original, deteriorating Jurassic Park. Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali portray extraction specialists on a daring mission to harvest dinosaur DNA for a high-stakes pharmaceutical project. Their characters’ sibling-like chemistry enhances the story, as they seek a $10 million prize.

ParkerGenix, a fictional Big Pharma entity, intends to utilize DNA from massive Cretaceous creatures to tackle heart disease. This premise adds a layer of intrigue, though it raises questions about biological feasibility. Alive dinosaurs are a necessity for extraction—without this twist, audiences would face a rather mundane scenario of science gone wrong.

The quest is unexpectedly complicated when a family aboard a sailboat crosses paths with the extraction team. Their comedic yet chaotic interactions offer a refreshing human element. Among the supporting cast, Rupert Friend brings menace with his transparent villainy, while Jonathan Bailey plays a museum paleontologist, adding depth to the narrative.

“Jurassic World Rebirth” cleverly nods to cinematic history, referencing classics like “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars.” The filmmakers evoke nostalgia while crafting thrilling sequences, such as a diner-hunting scene reminiscent of the original film’s kitchen sequence. Cinematography shines, capturing striking visuals—from stunning landscapes to exhilarating action that grips viewers tightly.

The depiction of dinosaurs is compelling. A beautiful moment unfolds as Titanosaurus intertwine their necks to an iconic score, oblivious to human interference. Throughout the film, candy serves as an unusual motif, linking scenes and adding a playful charm.

Edwards skillfully balances action with emotional development, allowing tension to escalate with subtle cues from nature. The film’s picturesque settings—from Thailand’s cascading waterfalls to mangrove swamps—might inspire a tourism campaign, albeit with a caveat about the lurking dinosaurs.

A bonus twist awaits in the film’s conclusion: remnants of genetic experiments producing bizarre hybrids provide a bonus thrill, including a monstrous T-Rex variant. This unexpected addition enhances the excitement and surprise factor, akin to a mini-monster movie.

Ultimately, “Jurassic World Rebirth” aspires to recapture the magic of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 original while forging its path. The film opens in theaters on Wednesday, rated PG-13 for intense action and brief suggestive content. Running time is 133 minutes, meriting three and a half stars out of four.

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