Movie review: ‘Jurassic World,’ fun reboot is scarier and more violent than the original
"Jurassic World" hit theaters June 12. (Handout/TNS)
Ty Simpkins and Nick Robinson in "Jurassic World." (Chuck Zlotnick/Universal Pictures/TNS)
Parents need to know that "Jurassic World" is more violent than the original and best suited for mature tweens and teens who can handle truly jump-worthy scares. (Common Sense Media/TNS)
Parents need to know that “Jurassic World” is more violent and terrifying than the original “Jurassic Park.” Since the titular theme park is actually open and filled with visitors, the ensuing body count when the dinos run amok is much higher than in the previous films (including some major supporting characters), and there are many intense scenes of sustained terror, suspense, and peril (including kids in danger). People are eaten, torn to shreds, trampled, and severely injured. Language is infrequent (occasional use of “s–t” and “damn”), and there are a couple of kisses and suggestive remarks. And you can expect a lot of overt product placement — from Coca-Cola, Apple, and Mercedes to Jeep, Beats, Verizon, and more. Mature tweens and teens who are fans of suspense/action (and still fond of dinosaurs) will be thrilled — just make sure they can handle the truly jump-worthy scares.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
At the start of “Jurassic World,” a mom (Judy Greer) sends her two sons — teen Zach (Nick Robinson) and tween Gray — to visit their Aunt Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard), an executive at “Jurassic World,” the exclusive dinosaur theme park off the coast of Costa Rica. As the boys enjoy their VIP experience, Claire deals with an escalating set of emergencies surrounding the park’s newest “asset,” a huge hybrid dino dubbed Indominus Rex. “Jurassic World” owner Masrani (Irrfan Khan) asks Claire to bring in security consultant/velociraptor wrangler Owen (Chris Pratt) to inspect the Indominus; things suddenly spiral out of control when the angry, isolated beast breaks loose and wreaks havoc, killing every dinosaur and person in its way. Owen and Claire must team up to rescue her nephews and take down the Indominus as quickly as possible.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
“Jurassic World” may not meet the expectations set by Steven Spielberg’s original, but it does surpass the underwhelming sequels, and it has enough visual thrills, humor, and memorable performances to make for a fun (if occasionally terrifying) franchise reboot. Director Colin Trevorrow (“Safety Not Guaranteed”) smartly doesn’t try to mimic Spielberg, but he does stay true to the master’s ability to make the movie’s moments of suspense even more terrifying than the actual people-eating. Pratt plays Owen like Star Lord mixed with a Navy SEAL — funny, clever, courageous. His chemistry with Howard’s Claire is breezy and full of banter (and not nearly as sexist as some critics were worried about).
This is definitely a big-budget blockbuster: It’s loud, thrilling, and full of intense sequences that will make viewers jump — or possibly cower, depending on their age. Indominus is a mean, scary, killing machine, and the devastation she leaves in her wake makes the original movie’s death toll look positively tame by comparison. The boys are both accomplished young actors, and they poignantly and realistically portray kids who are alternately impulsive, courageous, and frightened out of their minds. It’s not groundbreaking in the same way “Jurassic Park” was, but if you’re looking for heart-quickening fun, “Jurassic World” clearly delivers.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 13 and older
Quality: 3 out of 5
Positive messages: 3 out of 5
Positive role models: 3 out of 5
Violence: 4 out of 5
Sex: 1 out of 5
Language: 3 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 1 out of 5
Consumerism: 4 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
MOVIE DETAILS
Theatrical release date: June 12, 2015
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Studio: Universal Pictures
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 124 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13
