A Monster of a Movie!

Rating: 9/10 (30 May 2004)

When Jurassic Park was released in 1993, people flocked to the cinemas in droves to see dinosaurs recreated with cutting edge special effects. It was not only a gripping film, but filled you with a sense of child-like wonder and awe.
Based on the excellent novel by Michael Crichton, the story begins on the island of Isla Nublar. A group of workers are heaving a crate into an animal pen. Whatever's in the crate suddenly turns violent, and attacks them.
At this point, we have little idea what kind of an island this is. Meanwhile, in the Montana Badlands, paleontologists Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) are digging up a new dinosaur skeleton. This is interrupted by a visit from billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough).
He tells them he owns Isla Nublar, and is turning it into a park that's "right up their alley". Hammond's investors are concerned about the accident on the island, and insist on some outside opinions before it's opened to the public. He invites Alan and Ellie over for a weekend.
Accompanied by eccentric mathematician (or chaotician) Dr Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), when they arrive on the island, they're astounded to see a real, live dinosaur. This is Jurassic Park, a place where dinosaurs have been brought back to life.
Hammond's scientists discovered a prehistoric mosquito preserved in amber, that had fed off the blood of dinosaurs. They extracted the preserved blood, and through cloning techniques, were able to create a baby dinosaur.
Although overwhelmed, Alan, Ellie and Ian are sceptical about reintroducing dinosaurs into the modern world. Alan gives a good speech about the dangers involved:
"Dinosaurs and man. Two species separated by 65 million years of evolution have just been suddenly thrown back into the mix together. How can we possibly have the slightest idea what to expect?"
After being joined by Hammond's grandchildren Lex and Tim, they all set off into the park. But one of Hammond's workers has accepted a bribe from a rival company to steal dinosaur embryos. He puts in a computer virus that interrupts power, allowing the dinosaurs to escape their pens. With Alan, Lex and Tim lost in the park, it now becomes a desperate struggle for survival for all involved.
What can I say about the effects? Stunning. There are times when you actually forget the dinosaurs aren't real. From vicious Velociraptors to the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex, they are the real stars. It still has a great cast though.
Sam Neill is likable as Grant. A decent man who is not comfortable around children. This is one of Steven Spielberg's trademarks, where Grant will grow to like children, after taking care of Lex and Tim.
Laura Dern is good as Ellie, as she's not out to be the typical damsel in distress. She's a resourceful woman, and she makes a believable couple with Neill.
Jeff Goldblum is typically eccentric, always coming out with chaos theories, and how the park is doomed to fail because of Hammond's tampering with nature. In retrospect, Goldblum doesn't really get a lot to do, which is probably why he was allowed to take centre stage in the first sequel.
Richard Attenborough is on good form as the kindly but slightly crazy John Hammond. His obsession with opening his park to the public clouds his judgement throughout the film, even when people are dying left, right and centre.
Lex and Tim are very annoying. Lex is just the typical screamer, and Tim is a precocious brat. I know this sounds horrible, but there are times when I wished they would get eaten by the dinosaurs.
It takes a while for the action to start up, but once it does the film takes off like a rocket. The T-Rex only appears four times, but each time it does it's memorable. Destroying the car with the kids in it, killing the lawyer on the toilet (brilliant!), chasing after the jeep. All great scenes.
The Raptors are an impressive creation, as their sheer intelligence is matched only by their cold-blooded brutality. Fast as a cheetah, incredible jumpers, devious and highly intelligent, they're a force to be reckoned with.
The tension level jumps immediately when the Raptors are around. Intriguingly, they seem more interested in killing the humans instead of other dinosaurs. Personal vendetta perhaps, for keeping them locked up? They do set up Muldoon the warden in a particularly nasty ambush. The scene where they're hunting Lex and Tim in the kitchen is a real nailbiter.
The Raptors only come into the film near the end, but they are mentioned several times beforehand. Spielberg takes a tactic from Jaws. Where you didn't see the shark until halfway, it is the same with the Raptors. At first we learn how dangerous they are from various people, and when we finally see them in action, we're blown away.
The climax is very exciting, as you're not really sure what's going to happen. It does seem a bit convenient for the T-Rex to appear, but Spielberg is forever the crowd-pleaser.
The film has many awe-inspiring moments. The gentle Brachiosaurs are a wonder to watch, and provide a marvellous introductory scene for the dinosaurs. The camera focuses on Alan, Ellie and Ian gazing in wonder, and we want to know at what. And then we see a fully realised dinosaur. And than the awe sets in. Which is further expanded upon elsewhere with the sick Triceratops. And the Gallimimus herd. There is a little something for everyone.
Although the plot is wafer-thin, you'll be in for a fun time. It even manages to be thought-provoking, as the discussion about the dangers in playing God are interesting. By far the best of the trilogy, and I believe they're making a fourth one too. Do you think that's necessary at this point? Milking it a bit aren't they?