Special effects no-brainer?

Rating: Null/10 (25 June 2001)

Yes, it's Jurassic Park  one of the most expensive and profitable blockbuster movies of all time, with revolutionary special effects and a director of the highest standing. But does that make it any good? Set in the near future, on a small, remote island a new theme park has been constructed  Jurassic Park. Dinosaurs that died out over 65 million years ago have been recreated by removing and cloning DNA from the blood contained in a mosquito. This is noticeably unbelievable, as there are a huge variety of dinosaurs from different time periods from one mosquito, and the entire concept is simply an excuse to display new computer-animated special effects. Which are, incidentally, superb. Even a few years on, with computing power doubling every 18 months, the animation is still top-notch and is definitely the highlight of the film. The dialogue is well written, with some interesting debates on the nature of life, and the characters fit in with what they are saying. The plot is uninspired and, in fact, the entire scenario for the book by Michael Crichton that the film was based on was lifted from a 1979 issue of the graphic novel 2000AD, entitled, Jurassic Park'. The plot is almost certainly the most predictable I have ever witnessed, and the outcome is blatantly obvious, with a nice clear moral for the American family. The directing is excellent, with tension easily flowing and all the props are realistic. The acting is sketchy from a few main characters, with lines delivered unconvincingly. Altogether, an excellent film provided you know what to expect. It is a typical Hollywood family blockbuster movie, raised from the bog-standard by some incredible special effects and creditable directing for what it was intending to achieve. However, it would have benefited enormously from a change of general attitude, and thus a higher certificate. The plot could have easily had more depth and some twists. If i were American, i would call this a no-brainer.