Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Colin Trevorrow, Legendary Pictures, M 124 Minutes.
The much anticipated sequel to the famous ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise made between 1993 and 2001 is an enthralling roller-coaster ride from start to finish; stimulating the senses and appreciating the full splendour of this thrilling action adventure.
In having legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg as executive producer-the creator of the first two ‘Jurassic Park’ films-Colin Trevorrow (‘Safety Not Guaranteed’) can be assured of similar success in writing and directing such a blockbuster of his own.
Following the Jurassic Park events, Jurassic World is now a fully functioning dinosaur theme park on the island of Isla Nublar managed by Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard – ‘Gold’) and billionaire investor Masrani (Irrfan Khan – ‘The Lunchbox’).
It is to this resort that brothers Zach (Nick Robinson – ‘Kings of Summer’) and Gray (Ty Simkins – ‘Hangman’) are sent to by their parents to stay with their aunt Claire who promised to look after them.
But boys being boys they elude the watchful eye of their appointed tour guide venturing off on their own, unaware of Claire’s latest attraction breaking loose from its secured habitat.
Claire’s special drawcard-designed to improve the dwindling visitor numbers to the theme park-turns out to be a highly intelligent dinosaur with the DNA of a huge tyrannosaurus rex (in fact a genetically) modified Indominus Rex.
As matters start to spiral out of control Claire approaches the charming dinosaur trainer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt – ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’) for help in finding her nephews touring the landscape and oblivious to the looming danger.
Faced with the catastrophic consequences and in a final attempt to stop the visitors becoming the dinosaurs’ food chain Owen reluctantly agrees to help, joining forces with Hoskins (Vincent D’Onofrio – ‘The Judge’) whose intention includes exploiting Owen’s prehistoric raptors.
In spite of the efforts from Owen and Claire to salvage the theme park, including saving her nephews, they are unable to stop the destruction caused by the rampaging T-Rex.
Trevorrow’s contribution to this scintillating series provides far more excitement and suspense than the earlier films but this time it is complemented by some stunning special effects particularly the awesome dinosaurs’ clash in the concluding scenes.
Besides Pratt’s playful performance there is the impressive portrayal from Howard (director Ron Howard’s daughter) and the pure enjoyment derived from the thrilling storyline.
It comes as no surprise that ‘Jurassic World’ was the top box-office hit in Australia and USA as was the sequel released in 2018.
Jurassic World is to be televised on Channel 9 on Saturday 27 February at 8.30pm.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
