The latest chapter in the iconic dinosaur franchise, “Jurassic world Rebirth,” roars into theaters, promising thrilling prehistoric action but ultimately delivering a familiar formula. Directed by Gareth Edwards, this new installment aims to inject fresh energy with a heist-adventure blend and a starry cast featuring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali. Yet, despite attempts at novelty, the film largely sticks to celebrating its awe-inspiring ancient creatures while the human narrative struggles to keep pace. Reviewers note that the dinosaurs remain the primary draw, often overshadowing a disjointed and underdeveloped story.
Building on the events after “Jurassic World Dominion,” which saw dinosaurs unleashed globally, “Rebirth” presents a world where these majestic creatures face harsh environmental conditions and humanity’s initial wonder has faded. This intriguing premise hinting at a larger, thought-provoking narrative is quickly sidelined. The plot pivots back to the series’ comfort zone: a remote, lush island setting where danger lurks around every corner.
A Familiar Tale: Dinos First, Humans Second
The “Jurassic” formula has long been established: audiences arrive for the dinosaurs and tolerate the human characters driving the plot. “Jurassic World Rebirth” largely adheres to this pattern. While director Gareth Edwards, known for large-scale spectacles like “Godzilla” and “Rogue One,” attempts to weave in a heist element, the core experience remains centered on survival against prehistoric threats. Unfortunately, the human characters, despite being portrayed by talented actors like Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Friend, feel largely generic, serving functional roles rather than developing into compelling individuals.
The central conflict is spurred by shady pharmaceutical figure Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), who seeks live dinosaur DNA to create a potentially life-saving heart disease cure. He tasks covert operative Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) with leading a team, including paleontologist Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), on a mission to retrieve blood samples from three distinct dinosaur species: land, sea, and air. Their journey takes them to a former research facility near the equator, a thriving habitat for dinosaurs, accessed via a boat captained by Zora’s associate, Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali).
Plot Divergence and Character Weaknesses
The narrative takes a detour when the team encounters and rescues a vacationing family stranded in the Atlantic after a mosasaur attack. This event, while introducing more peril, complicates the storyline significantly. The film splits into two distinct threads: Zora’s team pursuing their genetic extraction mission and the rescued family attempting to survive various toothy predators. This lack of narrative focus is a key criticism, contributing to what has been described as a “rickety plot” that struggles to balance its different elements effectively.
While many human roles are criticized for being underdeveloped, Jonathan Bailey’s portrayal of paleontologist Henry Loomis stands out. Reminiscent of early franchise characters like Alan Grant, Loomis is depicted as a knowledgeable figure who, much like the audience, genuinely appreciates the wonder and power of the dinosaurs. He provides a relatable perspective within the otherwise generic human ensemble, offering a slight exception to the rule that humans take a backseat to the spectacle.
Prehistoric Stars Take Center Stage
Unsurprisingly, the dinosaurs are the undeniable stars of “Jurassic World Rebirth.” Their increased screen time, partly due to the fractured plot, is highlighted as a significant positive. The film features a robust roster of fan favorites and introduces new prehistoric creatures to the mix.
The mighty T. rex makes a return appearance, proving just as formidable and easily irked as ever. For those seeking cuteness, a baby Aquilops named Dolores is described as the most adorable creature in the film. The aquatic mosasaur is back, intriguingly accompanied by spinosaur “henchmen,” adding a unique dynamic to the underwater scenes. Even a pair of massive titanosaurus enjoys a tender moment, albeit briefly interrupted by the human intruders.
The film also unveils a new antagonist dinosaur, the D. rex, formally known as the Distortus rex. This mutated monster is a visual blend of disparate features, likened to a combination of the Elephant Man and a T. rex. Its appearance includes large arms, an unexpected extra pair of tiny arms, and a prominently large forehead, making it a distinct and imposing new threat.
A Spectacle Worth the Price of Admission?
Director Gareth Edwards brings his signature style for large-scale action sequences to “Rebirth.” The film delivers ample “B-movie craziness,” providing enjoyable, albeit perhaps not deeply intellectual, entertainment. The sheer spectacle of dinosaurs interacting with humans and the environment, including some vicious attacks, is a clear highlight designed to satisfy audience expectations for prehistoric thrills. Many viewers may find themselves rooting for the dinosaurs over the less compelling human characters involved in the predictable chaos.
Despite its plot shortcomings and generic characters, the movie capitalizes on the enduring appeal of its ancient inhabitants. While some might argue the franchise has perhaps extended beyond its natural lifespan, “Jurassic World Rebirth” leans into its established formula, offering enough dinosaur action and visual flair to keep fans engaged. For those ready to “go with the pterosaur flow,” the film provides a ride through a world where dinosaurs still rule, even if the human story feels a little shaky.
How to Watch ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’
“Jurassic World Rebirth” is scheduled to open in theaters on July 2. The film has received a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association, citing “intense sequences of violence/action, bloody images, some suggestive references, language and a drug reference.” For those looking to catch up on the saga, the previous six “Jurassic” films are available for streaming on Peacock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core plot of ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’?
The main plot involves a covert team led by operative Zora Bennett, hired by a pharmaceutical executive to obtain live dinosaur DNA from three species (land, sea, and air) on a remote island. The DNA is needed to create a potential cure for heart disease. The mission becomes complicated by a parallel storyline involving a family rescued from a mosasaur, splitting the narrative between the genetic heist and straightforward survival.
Are there new dinosaurs featured in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’?
Yes, alongside returning favorites like the T. rex and Mosasaur, “Jurassic World Rebirth” introduces at least one new major dinosaur threat: the D. rex, or Distortus rex. This mutated creature is described with unique physical characteristics, including mismatched arms and a large forehead, serving as a new antagonist in the film. The movie also features minor new additions like the adorable baby Aquilops, Dolores, and notes the Mosasaur having Spinosaurs as “henchmen.”
Is ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ worth watching based on reviews?
Based on the provided review, “Jurassic World Rebirth” received a 2.5 out of 4-star rating. While the human characters and plot are criticized as generic and “rickety,” the review highlights the dinosaurs themselves as “really cool” and the primary reason to see the film. If you prioritize spectacular dinosaur action and enjoy the established franchise formula over deep plot or character development, the movie likely offers enough “B-movie craziness” to be enjoyable, despite its flaws.
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