Great Dino Fun!

Rating: 10/10 (28 October 2003)

I have to say, I really, REALLY, enjoy this film. Sure it ain't art, and after Schindler's List, that may be considered a bit of a disappointment for critics and followers of Spielberg, but boy is this film great fun and not only that, the film follows its own sense of fun too. Check out T-Rex destroying San Diego and the homages thrown throughout to the Godzilla movies as well as a cameo from the film's scriptwriter being eaten. I'm sorry, but for me this is representative of what going to the movies is sometimes about. Having a fun time. I'd almost go out on a limb and say it was better than the first film.
Okay that may be a bit strong, but I find there so much more to enjoy here. As much as I love the first film, there is a wee bit of sentimentality about it. Having the child hater turn into a father figure played a big part in the first film, but as Spielberg has upped the ante here as well as include more dinosaurs and more elaborate action sequences there isn't as much room for the 'family' margin, even though that gets a look in too. Nope, this is not about Spielberg the filmmaker, this is about Spielberg the entertainer. He's not aiming for Oscars here, instead it's all about creating a thrill packed ride which is what we get. There are many a classic action-horror moment here. The moment where all that separates the character of Sarah (Julianne Moore) from imminent death is a sheet of glass is one of the most nerve wracking moments committed to film, while the Raptor attack in the field is undeniably sheer genius and the ending where San Diego gets flattened by the T-Rex itself is so much fun and contains so much going on that it's worthwhile watching the film again.
With an increase in the violent content (how this only got a PG in Britain is beyond me, a 12 or even 15 would have been more appropriate) this is indicative at the same time of Spielberg's darker sensibilities coming out of him. Unlike Jurassic Park there are no scenes set in blazing sun shine, instead we get lots of rain and dark clouds covering each moment, while Kaminski's photography enhances the more darker look of the film. The death scenes are more elaborate here. Why have one T-Rex eat a hapless victim when you can have two and when you have a waterfall why not have blood ooze from it when a victim is eaten. Yep, it's almost like Temple Of Doom all over again.
I know the film has its haters, but this is one film that I find hugely entertaining. While the novelty factor of the CGI does not flood the film so much here, the more ruthless action sequences more than makes up for it. It's a Hollywood blockbuster. It is supposed to be fun.