Despite Popular Belief, A GREAT film!

Rating: 10/10 (24 March 2002)

I really don't understand why so many people don't like this film. Sure it has it's flaws, but what movie IS perfect? I thought this was a spectacular sequel. It's pretty hard to beat the original, but I thought this one came pretty close to being just as good. I agree that the scene where the little girl did gymnastics and kicked the raptor out the window was one of the stupidest things Spielberg has ever done (in fact, if you ask me, they should have completely eliminated her character from the film). Also when Eddie Carr (Richard Schiff) yells to the people hanging on the rope and they respond with a fast-food order was another low point in the film. But these sort of scenes didn't ruin the film for me. Also, while I'm thinking about it, why do so many people have a problem with the T-Rex running around San Diego? That was AWESOME! I loved it! I really don't know why people have such a problem with that.
As far as story goes, I thought it was a pretty well thought out story, nothing terribly complicated, but it got the job done. I don't really know what people are expecting, I went into the theater to see some dino's and I got what I wanted (and more). I did read the book before seeing the movie, even though I knew it would be drastically different, there were a few scenes that I had wished they'd put in the film, but you can't win 'em all.
I thought the characters, acting and the cast were very good. I've always liked Jeff Goldblum, and he didn't let me down here. Other people that I believe deserve mention are Julianne Moore, Pete Postlethwaite, Richard Attenborough, Vince Vaughn, Peter Stormare, Richard Schiff, Joseph Mazello and Ariana Richards (even though those last two are barely in the film, but I was happy to see their cameos).
As far as computer effects go...simply AMAZING!!! I would recommend seeing this film for the effects alone. They look even better than the original film, and there are a few scenes in particular that totally made the film for me. For instance, the scene when the two T-Rex's are attacking the car with Eddie Carr (Richard Schiff) is just phenomenal!!!
All-in-all, I was VERY pleased with the movie and it wasn't a let down. If you liked the first one I think you should see this one and make your own conclusion instead of reading all these reviews and letting someone else make your decision for you. I hope you like the film as much as I did. ...Oh and be sure to watch Jurassic Park 3 after seeing this film. Despite what people may say, I thought it was an excellent installment to the films.
Thanks for reading,
-Chris