Rated: M
My Rating: 6.5/10
The Jurassic franchise has always walked a fine line between awe and absurdity. With Jurassic World Rebirth, director Gareth Edwards and screenwriter David Koepp attempt to steer the series back to its roots, aiming for a darker, more grounded tone reminiscent of Spielberg’s original. While the film boasts impressive visuals and a haunting score, it struggles with underdeveloped characters and inconsistent storytelling.
Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion, Rebirth introduces us to Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a covert operative, and Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), a palaeontologist. Tasked by pharmaceutical giant ParkerGenix, their mission is to extract blood samples from three colossal dinosaurs, representing land, sea, and air to develop a groundbreaking heart disease treatment. Their journey leads them to a remote island once used by InGen for dinosaur research. Unbeknownst to them, a civilian family, including a father, his two children, and his daughter's boyfriend, find themselves stranded on the same island, setting the stage for intertwined narratives.
The premise holds promise, blending corporate intrigue with survivalist horror. However, the execution falters. The dialogue often feels like placeholder text, lacking the polish expected from a franchise of this magnitude. Characters exchange lines that seem more functional than expressive, diminishing the emotional weight of their interactions.
Johansson's portrayal of Zora is competent but lacks depth. Despite her status as the lead, Zora's motivations and backstory remain underexplored, making it challenging to connect with her journey. Bailey's Dr. Loomis fares slightly better, bringing a touch of earnestness to the role, but he too is hampered by a script that doesn't delve deeply into his character.
The supporting cast, including Mahershala Ali as team leader Duncan Kincaid and Rupert Friend as ParkerGenix representative Martin Krebs, deliver solid performances but are given limited material to work with. The civilian family's subplot, intended to provide a human touch, feels undercooked. Their presence on the island seems more coincidental than integral, and their arcs lack the emotional resonance needed to leave a lasting impact. interestingly, the standout performance comes from David Iacono, portraying the daughter's boyfriend. His comedic timing and relatable reactions inject much-needed levity into the film. Though a side character, he emerges as the most memorable, providing a refreshing contrast to the otherwise sombre tone.
Visually, Rebirth is a mixed bag. The CGI dinosaurs are, as expected, a highlight. From the towering Titanosaurus to the swift Aquilops, the creatures are rendered with meticulous detail, capturing both their majesty and menace. The Distortus rex, a mutated six-limbed T-Rex, stands out as a particularly terrifying addition, embodying the film's darker aesthetic.
However, the film's lighting choices often detract from its visual strengths. Scenes oscillate between overly dark sequences, where details are obscured, to jarringly bright moments that break immersion. This inconsistency hampers the viewing experience, making it challenging to fully appreciate the film's visual design.
Alexandre Desplat's score is a triumph. By weaving in John Williams' iconic themes, Desplat evokes nostalgia while introducing his own haunting motifs. The music enhances the film's atmosphere, elevating scenes that might otherwise fall flat. Notably, Jonathan Bailey's clarinet solo adds a personal touch, underscoring the film's emotional beats.
Jurassic World Rebirth aims to rejuvenate the franchise by returning to its roots. While it succeeds in creating a darker, more suspenseful tone, it stumbles in character development and narrative cohesion. The film's strengths, impressive CGI, a compelling score, and moments of genuine tension, are undermined by a lacklustre script and underwhelming character arcs.
For longtime fans, Rebirth offers glimpses of the franchise's former glory. However, it also serves as a reminder that spectacle alone isn't enough. Without compelling characters and a cohesive narrative, even the most awe-inspiring dinosaurs can't carry the weight. That’s why I rate this film a 6.5/10
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