Gareth Edwards’ independent sequel, Jurassic World Rebirth, revitalized the Jurassic Park franchise, addressing one of the major criticisms fans had regarding Jurassic World Dominion. This latest installment in the dinosaur sci-fi action series opted for a more focused narrative, stepping away from the expansive globe-trotting escapades of earlier films to deliver a self-contained story.
Set five years after the events of Dominion, the universe of Jurassic World Rebirth has seen a complete decline in interest towards dinosaurs. The majority of wild dinosaurs have perished, and the few that still exist have gathered and are flourishing in oxygen-rich habitats close to the Earth’s equator, in climates that closely resemble the ancient world from which their DNA originates.
Although audiences and critics have differing opinions on Jurassic World Rebirth, one cannot overlook it’s return to the franchise’s origins. Drawing on a familiar twist from the original Jurassic Park trilogy, Rebirth effectively addresses one of the major shortcomings found in the concluding installment of the first Jurassic World trilogy.
The Primary Criticism of Jurassic World Dominion Was Its Unimpressive Dinosaur Visuals
Jurassic World Dominion sought to connect the two generations of Jurassic Park films by uniting the most memorable cast members from both trilogies. However, the final product turned out to be a cluttered, overly CGI-laden disaster.
With an abundance of human characters to concentrate on, along with a plot that spanned the globe across multiple continents, the dinosaurs were reduced to mere background decoration.
To clarify, the film features a variety of dinosaurs, showcasing some truly intriguing species such as the cave-dwelling Dimetrodon, the feathered Pyroraptor, and the massive Dreadnoughtus. However, each of these creatures only has a fleeting moment on screen or is involved in a quick plot twist, after which they are not revisited.
None of the dinosaurs appeared to be genuine wonders, not even the enormous Giganotosaurus, which takes center stage in the final major action sequence. The once awe-inspiring creatures have become obscured in a chaotic blend of CGI and explosions.
Jurassic World Rebirth Elevated Dinosaurs To The Forefront
Jurassic World Rebirth faced no such problems. The dinosaurs, when they appeared on screen, were portrayed with respect, showcasing their majesty and strength just like in the original film. Every significant scene involving dinosaurs focused on the creatures themselves, while the human characters played the role of minor annoyances (or, in certain instances, mere snacks) that they truly were.
Rebirth successfully restored the genuine fear factor of dinosaurs, a stark contrast to what we experienced in Jurassic World Dominion. The T. rex river scene presented a fresh and terrifying perspective on the T. rex, while the spinosaurus and mosasaurus hunting scene evoked strong Jaws-like sensations. The mutadons infused a dose of the original velociraptor essence into the mix, all while appearing even more grotesque and monstrous.
Jurassic World Rebirth Recalls The Elements That Made The Jurassic Park Franchise So Enjoyable
Ultimately, audiences flock to Jurassic Park films to witness dinosaurs. Every visit to the cinema for one of these movies is a chance to relive that exhilarating feeling that Dr. Alan Grant experiences upon his first glimpse of a Brachiosaurus in the original Jurassic Park.
Jurassic World Rebirth stays true to its core concept, and regardless of your feelings about the writing, the human characters, or any other aspect of the film, one cannot overlook the fact that the dinosaurs truly stole the show. This installment significantly rectifies the errors made by its predecessor in the franchise, if nothing else.