Nostalgia can only do so much but it entertains...

Rating: 7/10 (25 June 2015)

I've heard 'Jurassic World' compared to a tribute band playing the tunes of the Spielberg hit to get smiles. It's a fair comparison. 'Jurassic World' really does nothing new and if I were to be mean I'd say it coasts on the nostalgia we feel for the Spielberg classic. 'Jurassic World' was never going to be a masterpiece in the same caliber that so many hold the original. I don't think it tries to because such an attempt would be futile. 'Jurassic World' knows what it is, a fifties B movie on steroids. And I have to be honest in the age of endless superheroes this kind of was refreshing. It has the problems of a B movie to be sure, lazy characterization and tropes but it's big and goofy and fun...
One thing I sort of appreciate about 'Jurassic World' is that so much of the science and ethics are taken out of the story. Spielberg didn't do them very well and really people came to see this film for the dinosaurs. I think this film is really a more successful attempt at doing what 'Jurassic Park III' tried to do. We have an adventure film like the B movies that so inspired Spielberg. The problem is we get all the strengths of such a formula but also all the weaknesses which are in the two leads.Chris Pratt is Chris Pratt. The character Owen is a bore on paper and really hadn't Chris Pratt played the part than I think this film wouldn't have gotten as much of a positive reception. This Owen is merely a B movie gorilla who looks and acts tough. Claire played by Bryce Dallas Howard is a nightmare of sexism. I admire both performances as they realize that this isn't high art but summer movie. I feel as though I have to say turn off your brain which I get that some people don't like hearing. And yet I think 'Jurassic World' is a film that earns the right to say this. While the human characters can be very trope and sort of socially irresponsible; the dinosaurs are just what the popcorn doctor ordered.
The dinosaurs are awe-inspiring and just give a thrill in the way that only a good monster can. One thing the movie does pitch perfectly is construct a villainous monster that has personality. Every one of the dinosaurs have personality really down to the raptors being wrangled. How often can you say that in one of these C.G.I extravaganzas? Deliberate care is taken in the building up of the Indominus Rex. The rules of 'Jaws' are followed. We don't get a good look at the creature until she begins her rampage. 'Jurassic World' is the first film in the series since the original to have moments that are suspenseful. The ending sequence of the film is absolutely spectacular. It's action packed and yet we care about what happens. You invest in these C.G.I cartoons and how often can you say that? I think the success has to be given to the script but also the best moments of acting from Pratt who actually has a better connection with the dinosaurs than he does the human characters.
Fans of the original will not want to miss this. It takes it's time to lovingly recreate moments and have fun with the memories of the film. If nostalgia alone is why this appeals to you than I think 'Jurassic World' is a must see. It doesn't have the commentary of the original nor the sheer wow factor but the dinosaurs deliver. This really is a great summer movie that has no delusions about being genius.