There’s something inherently magical about watching dinosaurs on the big screen. From the moment the first Jurassic Park film roared into theaters in 1993, audiences have been captivated by the blend of science, spectacle, and survival. With Jurassic World Rebirth, director Gareth Edwards (Rogue One, Godzilla) brings a fresh perspective to the long-running franchise—one that stumbles out of the gate, but ultimately delivers a pulse-pounding adventure worth the price of admission.
Let’s address the big issue first: the first act is messy. The film introduces multiple storylines, locations, and characters so rapidly that it’s hard to get a sense of direction. The pacing is rushed, and exposition often feels crammed in, which leads to moments of confusion early on. It’s not quite Jurassic Park III levels of narrative chaos, but it comes close.
However, once the movie finds its rhythm, it really clicks into place. Edwards excels at grounding massive-scale spectacle in human emotion, and that strength becomes the film’s anchor. His signature “boots-on-the-ground” directing style brings tension and immediacy to the action sequences. Whether it’s a narrow escape through a crumbling jungle compound or a brutal showdown between man and mutant dinosaur, there’s a gritty realism here that makes the stakes feel more personal than they have in years.
One of the biggest surprises is Scarlett Johansson in the lead role. As Zora Bennett, a covert operative turned unlikely protector, she initially seems like a miscast presence—her performance in the early scenes feels uneven, almost like she’s trying to find the right tone. But by the film’s midpoint, she clicks into character and never looks back. By the final act, Johansson stands confidently as the face of this new era of Jurassic storytelling. Whether this film sets up a new trilogy or simply serves as a satisfying one-off remains to be seen, but if this is a franchise reboot, she’s a solid choice to carry it forward.
The creature design is another highlight. From the grotesque Distortus rex to the aerial terror of the Mutadon, the film doesn’t skimp on jaw-dropping new additions to the dinosaur canon. The action sequences are well-executed, the kills are shockingly brutal for a PG-13 film, and the balance of practical effects with CGI is the best the series has looked since Jurassic Park.
Is Jurassic World Rebirth perfect? No. The opening act’s lack of clarity and some underdeveloped side characters hold it back from greatness. But it’s also one of the most fun, energetic, and violent entries in the franchise—reminding viewers why we keep coming back to Isla Nublar and beyond.
If you’re a fan of dinosaurs, sci-fi thrillers, or just miss the feeling of a good old-fashioned summer blockbuster, this is one to catch on the big screen.
Hollywood After Dark 