A World of Fun

Rating: 7/10 (20 June 2015)

Jurassic Park was a masterpiece. Not just because Steven Spielberg was at the heart of it, but because it re-defined the blockbuster and was the benchmark for all CGI films since. I was a huge fan of the first film, and some aspects of the second (let's not talk about the third), so for me this fourth instalment had to reflect back to its roots yet cater for today's audience, whilst still being fun and exciting at the same time. The anticipation for this was huge, a must see film of 2015, and thankfully it didn't disappoint, but it was by no means perfect.
The plot is basic. Dr Hammond's (the late great Richard Attenborough) vision of a dinosaur theme park is now a reality. They make a genetically modified dinosaur. The dinosaur escapes. All hell breaks loose. Simple. Sadly the script won't win an Oscar anytime soon, but it's woven through so the narrative structure gets us right to the action and scares as soon as possible.
Colin Trevorrow (fairly new at this game) directs, and pays homage to the original in a nice way with subtle references, and a rather nostalgic nod mid-way, revealing some familiar props used in the first film - it makes the 'kid' bit come right out again. And what can we say about the so called (rumoured) Indiana Jones that is Chris Pratt? Highly watchable, and just about gets through his role as the park's answer to Dr Dolittle. (Look out for Raptors with blue-tooth headsets). Even the return of the T-Rex for the film's climax will satisfy fans to the very ending shot. And not forgetting that immense soundtrack, which is dished out in all the right places, most notably, the first establishing shot of the theme park, executed very well from a hotel window.
Having said all this, it's by no means original or inventive, and the characters are very clichéd and cheesy, and it does feel like all the deleted scenes from the original trilogy rolled into one film. It's entertaining, but not amazing.
A reinvented thrill ride that will please all fans of the original, and once again just look in awe at those amazing special effects. Highly enjoyable, it's the best instalment since the first, but just watch out – the franchise isn't extinct yet. I doubt we've seen the last from Isla Nublar.