(End of) Summer Review #1 -- Jurassic World

It is difficult to find a film series where even the first sequel comes close to the original, let alone the third one. Ideas get lost in rehashes, just like good stories get lost in the desire for profit. The fourth installment of the immensely popular action/adventure franchise, Colin Trevorrow's Jurassic World, is a classic thrill ride from start to finish.

Twenty years after the Isla Nublar incident, a new park featuring dinosaurs is open. Operations manager Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) is in the middle of recruiting corporate sponsors and getting ready to unveil the park's newest creature, the genetic hybrid Indominus rex. When the extremely dangerous and resourceful dinosaur escapes its enclosure, it is up to Claire and Velociraptor handler Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) to rescue visitors and bring back the beast...

I have missed films like this one -- those with action, innovation, humor and charm to spare. There are some gorgeously terrifying scenes featuring the resident Mosasaurus and the sequence with the Indominus and the soldiers is genius, as are the twists. The park is a truly unique creation, making us (almost) wish that such an attraction existed. The banter between Claire and Owen is playful and at times reminiscent of the Hepburn/Tracy pairings. Howard and Pratt have a natural chemistry and easygoing rapport; without this element, the film might not have been the same. On another note, the writers occasionally beat us over the head with Claire's childlessness, although the lack of schmaltz and the depth of her nephews' story makes up for it.

The cast contributes to the fun, obviously enjoying themselves and reveling in the spectacle. I still do not see Pratt as the new Indiana Jones -- people, stop the madness, we do not need a new one! -- but his star is rightfully exploding after his charismatic Guardians of the Galaxy turn and now his leading man showcase in Jurassic World. Although Howard's role is not as flashy as Pratt's, she finds some poignant moments in Claire's realization of the tragic circumstances. It is always fantastic seeing the great Vincent D'Onofrio and BD Wong, who shine as head of park security and chief geneticist, respectively. Finally, Ty Simpkins and Nick Robinson are terrific as Claire's nephews, whose exceptionally well developed arc makes them more than merely children in peril.

If we are lucky, Jurassic World heralds a new era of blockbusters. Sure, superheroes are entertaining and there are around thirty Marvel and DC Comics adaptations coming our way in the next few years. However, we also need adventure of a different kind, the sort that harks back to the curiosity and wonder of childhood. I am talking about the time when we were first moved to tears by E.T. connecting with Elliott, when we and the Ghostbusters were first terrified by the library ghost or when we first learned that Gizmo could possibly turn into one of the lethal Gremlins. There is no doubt in my mind that, for today's children, the Mosasaurus' entrance is such an experience. I am talking about originality and excitement that inspires the viewer to seek out and look forward to more, that inspires an artist to create and that can only come from one place -- imagination.    

9/10