The seventh entry in the prehistoric franchise proves to be the best film since the original trilogy.
As summer keeps rolling on, so comes the season’s most surprising entry: Jurassic World Rebirth. Not because it is coming just three years after the terrible, no good, awful last entry, Jurassic World Dominion, but because it didn’t even begin shooting until June 2024 after just being announced January of that year; talk about a quick turnaround. Regardless, the franchise has seen better years and certainly better entries. So, in essence, this dino franchise was in need of a turnaround before it became extinct like its subject material. Not only is Rebirth the most surprising entry of the summer, but it is also surprising for actually being quite entertaining, even though it feels so familiar.
Taking place five years after the events of Dominion, most dinosaurs now live (and survive) around tropical areas near the equator. When Zora (Scarlett Johansson), a covert operations expert, and Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), a paleontologist, are hired by a pharmaceutical rep (Rupert Friend), they embark on a dangerous mission to an island full of experimental dinosaurs to get DNA samples from three of the largest dinosaurs on the island. But during their dangerous mission, they unexpectedly encounter a family and have second thoughts about the mission they signed up for.
Let’s get the negatives out of the way here. The plot is undeniably and extremely inane – even for a Jurassic movie. I get that you can only do so much with dinosaurs, but the key narrative is to get DNA from three big dinosaurs? And aside from the great opening scene, the first 30 minutes are a bit of a slog and make you begin to wonder what exactly you paid to see. Most of the first act is dominated by scenes and dialog between Scarlett Johansson and Rupert Friend. While I admire the work of both of these veteran actors, they each feel miscast in this film. Full disclosure: I was ready to dismiss this film even before I saw it, as none of the previews sold me. And as I just mentioned, the first 30 minutes are sluggish and had me thinking I was going to be right. However, the film takes a significant turn for the better once the characters approach the island.
From that point on (and you’ll know it when you see it), it’s a fun ride until the credits roll. Rebirth delivers plenty of new dinosaurs and thrilling sequences, all while incorporating familiar beats from the original trilogy that get to the root of why this franchise is beloved by millions. Winks and nods to what came before to help amp up the thrills, especially since monster filmmaker expert, director Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), keeps the audience on its toes. This return to the franchise’s thrilling roots is probably all you could ask for seven films in, so there is no need to reinvent the wheel, although perhaps another edit of the script would have tightened things up.
While two of the previous actors are negatives here, the other human characters are likable and easy to root for. Jonathan Bailey, especially, shines as a charming scientist given a pivotal role in this entry—a welcome return for the franchise. But perhaps the most engaging aspect of this new entry is the family dynamic that unfolds throughout the story, which won’t be spoiled here. They are even featured in what is easily the most thrilling scene of the entire film.
As someone who was prepared to dismiss Rebirth before the film even started, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this film by the time the credits rolled. Sure, it doesn’t show viewers anything new unless you count mutated dinosaurs wreaking havoc on humans. But what else could you ask for other than simply reminding viewers of that iconic John Williams score from time to time? Gareth delivers the goods, even with its blemishes. But I can take a few rough spots, especially if this ends without any set up for a sequel. If this exists as a one-off (which it likely will not), then it makes me yearn for more one-off stories in this world. Just make sure people making the film are given enough time to polish the script.