Title: Jurassic World
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins
Runtime: 2 hrs 3 mins

What It Is: 20 plus years after the original park opened (and subsequently cause mania) Jurassic World as it’s not now has seen a huge shift in both scope and profits. Now it’s an entire island with full rides and attractions. Much as Dr. Hammond had imagined it. They’ve even begun genetic testing including gene splitting, and have created there own species of dinosaur the Indominus Rex. It’s now loose and it’s up to Owen (Pratt) to try and help slay this 20 million dollar dragon before it tears up the whole island, visitors included.

What We Think: Jurassic World is the reason people flood the theaters every summer. This is an ambition venture that, though light on characterization still leaves us breathless 22 years after it’s inaugural installment. Chris Pratt brings a subtle machismo to Owen, and the kids were perfectly capable. Many have complained about the over abundance of CGI, but to those I’d pose the question “For what other reason did you purchase a ticket to this film?” More than likely the answer will be the dinosaurs and in this current movie landscape that facilitates the need for the CGI. One huge knock is the convoluted sub-plot involving B.D. Wong’s character and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Harkin.

Our Grade: B+, This film in no way reinvents the wheel, but it’s a great time at the movies. It featured enough nods to Spielberg’s 1993 original to satiate the fans of the original. There is so much here that was way too over the top, however it just sort of worked. Perhaps better acting would’ve helped with a bit of detachment I felt to the peril of characters situation. Even still this is a flick most normal audiences are going to adore. They’ll feel that sense of nostalgia, especially when Michael Giacchino’s awesome score kicks in. It fills the theater and really penetrates the sea of nostalgia in your heart.