A benchmark but I prefer the third.

Rating: Null/10 (1 May 2011)

Genetically engineered dinosaurs run amok in their own theme park when the power to their enclosures is sabotaged allowing them to escape.
In 1993 after queueing forever I watched the much hyped film and left the cinema unfulfilled, I still feel the same way. The effects still hold up well, although the seams between C.G.I, animatronics and puppets are even more apparent it was a mile stone.
Although Michael Crichton's book wasn't fully realised Steven Spielberg's film adaptation has some fantastic set pieces, notably the T-Rex attack, raptor kitchen action and closing finale. Sadly, even though superior in scope it's not as balanced as West World,the in between segments feel like gap fillers and the characters are given little, albeit some witty dialogue, usually from the most developed character Ian Malcolm played by Jeff Goldblum others are are wasted. Laura Dern is good but the script let's her down at times making her unnecessary dated feminist fodder. Sam Neill is on form but is given some cringe-worthy dialogue usually involving the kids. The supporting cast are fine, even the child actors are likable and superb. Samuel L. Jackson Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck are solid and Wayne Knight as crook Dennis Nerdy is memorable. Nevertheless, characters fleet in and out, either killed or never seen again. There are a too many cliffhangers and throw away gags. Events appear as just that, events and it doesn't flow as well as it should. In addition, the editing doesn't compliment the earlier action or the dialogue scenes as much as in the later half. Too much happens off screen and I don't just mean the dinosaur shenanigans.
John Williams score is simply wonderful, and the location feel gives it a unique atmosphere. Even with a lack of blood and an archetype hero to root for Jurassic Park still manages to thrill but these magic moments are few and far between compared to Spielberg's other works.
An entertaining benchmark in effects history but as a dino-bite of cinema but I prefer the flow of Joe Johnson's third instalment.