More than three decades after Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking film first unleashed dinosaurs onto the big screen, the “jurassic” saga continues to roar. The latest chapter, “Jurassic world rebirth,” helmed by director Gareth Edwards, known for his work on “Godzilla” and “Rogue One,” brings a new, standalone story to the long-running franchise. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey, this film arrives with high expectations but faces the challenge of delivering something fresh within a familiar world. Initial critic reviews are now surfacing, offering a glimpse into whether this new adventure recaptures the awe and terror of its predecessors or feels like a well-trodden path. Early reactions present a mixed picture, with some critics hailing it as the strongest entry since the original “Jurassic Park” in 1993, while others express disappointment. The general sentiment suggests “Rebirth” leans heavily into “old-school dino mayhem,” packed with thrilling set pieces and impressive visual effects, but may struggle with narrative depth and originality.
What Critics Are Saying About Jurassic World Rebirth
The “Jurassic” franchise has a rich, albeit sometimes inconsistent, history. After two trilogies and various animated projects, the core appeal remains the visceral thrill of human versus prehistoric predator. “Jurassic World Rebirth” aims to tap into this core, with many critics noting a conscious effort to align with the tone and scope of the original “Jurassic Park” films, particularly evoking the feel of the first and third installments.
A Return to Roots and Thrilling Set Pieces
Several reviewers praise “Rebirth” for shifting back towards the classic “Jurassic Park” formula. According to Peter Gray of The AU Review, the film restores a “classic blockbuster mentality” to a series that risked losing its way. Danielle Solzman on Solzy at the Movies confirms the movie delivers “roaring thrills and dino-sized action,” proving the franchise retains its intensity after 32 years. Liz Shannon Miller from Consequence points out its success in telling a suspenseful, exciting standalone story within the established universe. This approach, leaning into a “disaster-movie mentality” and survival narrative, is seen as a positive return to form by multiple critics, feeling more grounded than the preceding “Jurassic World” sequels. Rohan Patel at ComicBookMovie.com describes it as an “old-school adventure” that feels closer in tone to earlier films like “Jurassic Park III.”
A major highlight universally praised is the execution of action sequences and set pieces. Ian Sandwell of Digital Spy contends that fans skipping the film would miss out on some of the best set pieces seen since the very first movie. Solzman highlights “dino-sized action.” David Ehrlich of IndieWire concedes that despite its flaws, “Rebirth” isn’t entirely devoid of “tolerable setpieces and/or well-engineered thrills.” The adaptation of Michael Crichton’s intense river raft sequence from the original novel is singled out as a “show-stopping number” by Courtney Howard of Fresh Fiction and “incredibly tense, playful and gripping” by Sandwell. Other memorable moments include a T-Rex interaction and a high-flying Quetzalcoatlus scene. Some critics even found that the dinosaur action sequences successfully reignited the “childlike adrenaline rush” associated with the original wonder, according to Manuel São Bento of FandomWire.
Impressive Technical Execution and Direction
Gareth Edwards, the director, receives significant acclaim for his technical skill and handling of the creature feature genre. Katie Smith-Wong of Flick Feast notes Edwards’s background in sci-fi and VFX makes him a “great candidate” to helm the project. Peter Gray sees him evoking the “Spielberg spirit,” effectively blending spectacle with moments of “surprising intimacy and emotion.” David Gonzalez at The Cinematic Reel credits Edwards with successfully staging suspenseful action and building a “genuine sense of dread.” Edwards’s “knack for clean action stands out,” with specific mention of a “flare-a-palooza” during night sequences, a visual nod to his work on “Godzilla.” Subtle homages to Spielberg, particularly in water sequences recalling “Jaws,” are also noted by David Rooney in The Hollywood Reporter.
The film’s visual presentation also earns strong praise. Filmed on 35mm with Panavision cameras and anamorphic lenses, similar to Spielberg’s original, the cinematography in locations like Thailand (standing in for the island) provides “spectacular visuals,” according to Rooney. David Vickery’s VFX work is highlighted as making various set pieces “visually spectacular” (Smith-Wong). Manuel São Bento acknowledges that even when the film falters, its “visual polish” prevents it from being outright bad. The CG work on the creatures is frequently described as “first-rate,” particularly mentioning a new “lumbering D. Rex” in the climax (Rooney). Pete Hammond at Deadline Hollywood Daily calls the dinosaurs “dino-myte” and credits the “effects wizards” for their delivery. Aaron Neuwirth from We Live Entertainment feels the blend of practical and CG effects makes everything “register as if it’s happening.” Specific effects like the tangible appearance of a Mosasaur underwater are praised (David Ehrlich, IndieWire). The film also introduces new creature designs, including a “puppy-sized Aquilops” named “Dolores,” described as both cute and endearingly corny in a Spielbergian way (Debruge, Rooney), and a “fantastic” newly designed Tyrannosaurus offering a “fresh yet faithful update” (Patel).
Key Criticisms and Weaknesses
Despite praise for its action and technical quality, “Jurassic World Rebirth” faces considerable criticism, particularly concerning its script, characters, and overall originality.
Thin Characters and Underdeveloped Script
A recurring issue raised by critics is the perceived lack of depth in both the screenplay and the human characters. Manuel São Bento notes that while the cast might be excellent, the “characters are hollow.” David Gonzalez feels only Jonathan Bailey and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo manage to feel genuinely “human.” Rohan Patel adds that while the lead trio, including Johansson, Ali, and Bailey, is likable, Johansson and Ali’s characters needed more fleshed-out backstories. Pete Hammond describes the characters as “well drawn, if clichéd.”
The script, penned by returning “Jurassic Park” screenwriter David Koepp, is a significant point of contention. While some reviewers like Katie Smith-Wong found “heart and dark comedy” in the writing, others were disappointed. Courtney Howard feels Koepp’s work here is a “rehashing” of the original, failing to transport audiences back to the original’s sense of “awe and wonder.” David Gonzalez calls the script “noticeably undercooked” compared to Koepp’s other recent work (“Black Bag”) and deems the movie “shallow and unnecessary.” Manuel São Bento echoes this, describing it as a “surprisingly shallow, hollow script,” especially given the higher expectations tied to Koepp’s return.
Beyond character issues, the script is criticized for insufficient depth in thematic areas. Courtney Howard argues the film falters by not adding “any depth” regarding the “inhumane experiments” on the dinosaurs or addressing animal and environmental advocacy.
Familiarity, Redundancy, and Questionable Necessity
Many reviewers felt “Jurassic World Rebirth” suffered from a sense of repetition and lacked a clear purpose within the sprawling franchise. Joey Magidson of Awards Radar bluntly states, “For better or worse, it’s more of the same.” Howard finds it fails to “transport us back” because it rehashes the original in “the most basic of ways.” The extent of “déjà vu” is noted by David Rooney, who points out abundant moments reminding him of the first and third “Jurassic Park” films. David Gonzalez calls the movie “shallow and unnecessary” and “far from the fresh start it promises.” David Ehrlich suggests the film is so desperate to coast on “Spielbergian magic” that its reliance on past elements, like a kitchen encounter homage, makes it obvious the franchise is “fending off its own extinction.”
This perceived redundancy leads some to question the film’s overall necessity. Rooney notes it’s “unlikely to top anyone’s ranked franchise list.” Debruge feels it “hardly feels essential” to the series’ mythology and doesn’t signal the franchise’s future direction. Even critics who enjoyed elements acknowledged this feeling; Liz Shannon Miller calls it a “stand-alone story relatively detached” from the past.
Other criticisms include pacing issues, with Ian Sandwell describing a “sluggish first act” before the action picks up. The “worldbuilding is ill-considered,” according to Siddhant Adlakha of Inverse, finding the basic premise of mutated hybrids underdeveloped. An unnecessary subplot involving a family on a catamaran is seen by Pete Hammond as a distraction that stretches credibility and slows the main story.
Looking Ahead: The Franchise’s Future?
Given its standalone nature and mixed reception, it’s unclear what “Jurassic World Rebirth” means for the future of the series. Miller questions if it sets up a “promising new future” and concludes it feels more like a standalone adventure. Danielle Solzman suggests it could function as a “satisfying conclusion” if it marks the end, but is also open to an eighth installment. Hammond agrees, saying he’d be counted in for another film. However, Debruge feels it doesn’t signal where the franchise is headed, and Joey Magidson wouldn’t be surprised by more films but lacks “newfound excitement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main criticisms of Jurassic World Rebirth based on early reviews?
Early reviews for “Jurassic World Rebirth” frequently highlight several key weaknesses. Critics often point to a shallow script and thin, underdeveloped characters despite a likable cast. Many feel the film suffers from significant redundancy, rehashing elements from earlier movies and lacking originality. The worldbuilding is also sometimes criticized as ill-considered, and unnecessary plot points or a sluggish first act are mentioned as detracting from the experience. Some question the movie’s overall necessity within the franchise.
Who directed the new Jurassic World Rebirth movie?
“Jurassic World Rebirth” is directed by Gareth Edwards. Edwards is known for helming major films like “Godzilla” (2014) and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Critics commenting on his direction for “Rebirth” often praise his ability to stage suspenseful action sequences and build dread, noting his knack for clean action and evoking the spirit of Steven Spielberg in certain scenes, particularly those involving water or flares.
Should I see Jurassic World Rebirth in theaters if I’m a fan of the original movies?
If you are a longtime fan of the original “Jurassic Park” films, especially those who enjoy their focus on suspense, creature-based thrills, and large-scale action, “Jurassic World Rebirth” may appeal to you. Many critics note it leans closer in tone and scope to the classic entries and delivers impressive set pieces and top-notch visual effects. While some reviews mention weaknesses like thin characters or familiar plotting, if you prioritize seeing spectacular dinosaur action and experience an old-school adventure on the big screen, the reviews suggest the film delivers on that front. The movie is scheduled to open in theaters on July 2, 2025.
Conclusion
“Jurassic World Rebirth” arrives carrying the weight of a monumental film legacy. First reviews paint a picture of a movie that successfully delivers on key “Jurassic” expectations: thrilling, old-school dinosaur action sequences powered by high-quality VFX and Edwards’s capable direction. It consciously echoes the suspense and tone of the original “Jurassic Park” entries, which will likely please fans nostalgic for that era. However, criticisms regarding its derivative script, shallow characters, and overall feeling of redundancy temper the praise. Ultimately, the film seems poised to offer a spectacle-driven adventure that may not redefine the franchise but could provide ample popcorn entertainment for those primarily seeking dinosaur mayhem on the big screen. Its place in the series’ future remains uncertain, but for now, it appears to be a standalone thrill ride with definite technical strengths.
References
- editorial.rottentomatoes.com
- editorial.rottentomatoes.com
- <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/f1themovie”>www.rottentomatoes.com
- <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/theelectricstate”>www.rottentomatoes.com
- <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thephoenicianscheme”>www.rottentomatoes.com
