Objects with big teeth and jaws may be closer than they appear

Rating: 10/10 (21 June 2006)

Steven Spielberg's cinematic masterpiece, where "two species, separated by 60 million years" face off for a survival showdown. Dinosaurs return from primordial forests to reclaim their place as the dominant species on Earth, and the result is one great movie feast for the eyes.
The premise is made plausible by an amusement park tour ride that explains the genetic process used in "making a baby dinosaur" (it makes you wonder if some day they will actually attempt this). Park controls over the dinosaurs go haywire, and nature's classic battle for survival is on.
Several species of dinosaurs are, of course, the stars of the show. Unlike previous dinosaur movies, JP took the time to analyze their instinctual intents: survival, reproduction, hunting food, etc., rather than depict them as rampaging beasts that kill for no reason. The film even explored the intriguing possibility that certain dinos (raptors) had some measure of deductive reasoning powers.
Almost every action and line of dialog has its place in relating the story and its moral. The movie knows when to go extreme with action, and when to pause and allow characters to evaluate the situation. The human actors, although somewhat regulated to supporting roles, are effective and have their importance too. The cautionary scientists, the greedy "bloodsucking" lawyer, the game hunter with a respect and awe for nature, the carnival showman, the techs who eat and smoke too much, even the imperiled kids (Spielberg's trademark) all represent aspects of science and the human condition. Characters are developed, some change, and some die; and in all cases, it fits the story's message.
The production quality was superior: the use of computer technology was fresh then, and was used to emphasize the story rather than the habit nowadays to make the CGI itself the focus. The music score was inspired, capturing the majesty these immense creatures evoke. Clever humor bits are inserted at key points all throughout the movie, to balance with the gory scenes. The "objects are closer than they appear" sight gag is classic.
A must-see for anyone. This is unique storytelling at its best.