Spielberg's touch not strong enough for sequel...

Rating: Null/10 (18 May 2001)

Not having read the Michael Crichton novels about dinosaurs, I can only base my comments here on the earlier 'Jurassic Park' movie that was clearly more intriguing than this sequel.
However, comparisons aside, 'The Lost World' stands on its own as a pretty fair adventure film with the usual assortment of ominous threats from creatures on an uninhabited island where two expeditions find themselves at cross purposes. Richard Attenborough is back as Mr. Hammond who wants to redeem himself for his past mistakes by having an expedition led by Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblaum) reach the island before the other team gets there. Eventually the two groups confront each other and team up for survival.
There are plenty of thrills and near escapes with danger ever lurking and emphasized by the John Williams score. If you enjoyed 'Jurassic Park' you won't want to miss this one. Not as creative, perhaps, but the special effects are still pretty awesome--especially in the scene where the team is caught inside a cliffside trailer truck. Some of the action is pretty foolish and I could have done without the daughter who is a gymnast--but if you're looking for escapist entertainment this one fills the bill. Summing up: hokey but fun.