Jurassic World
June 11, 1993, Midnight, Hillsborough 8, Tampa, Florida with my friend Frank was where I saw Jurassic Park for the first time. I was infatuated with seeing midnight movies for the longest time, that I think stemmed from seeing this movie. It was everything and I think I saw the movie about five or ten more times in the theater, and then again when it came out in 3D a few years ago. I was also very excited about the subsequent sequels, but I won't dwell on those as this movie acts like they did not exist. Which I think would have been a bit more interesting if it did.
As the story goes, Jurassic World has been in operation a few years after the original events occurred, and has become a full functioning theme park that looked pretty packed, but is in a need of a new attraction? So they decided to create a hybrid dino that was bigger and badder than anything in nature, big mistake. There is also a story line about a field test with a ex-navy soldier, the ever dreamy Chris Pratt, and his gaggle of velociraptors. Also the park Manager's Nephews are coming to visit their Aunt while their parents work out things, but it was not to clear and I think it was a ploy to get us to care about them a bit more. They story/plot was very similar to the original story, but told at a different time, and with different people, and with a little less heart and magic.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie, and it kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat. It seemed rushed and that we should just care about the people we are introduced to without any substance. I wanted to know more about Claire(Manager) and Owen(EX-Navy) relationship as it seemed there was more than just one bad date. Why were the nephew's parents having trouble in their marriage? Owen's field test with the raptor's that could have been a movie in itself. Then there was the inGen aspect of the movie with the military contractor, CEO and the devious scientist Henry. I think there was just too many story lines to contend with our attention and it just muddled the story.
It was a gorgeous movie. The island felt like a real place that I would totally want to visit. The dinosaurs looked wonderful, and lets face it that is the real reason we go and see these movies. I was happy to see some new friends and a big old friend reprise her role from the original movie.
Now the original Cast was just perfect, this Cast was good, but did I really care what was going to happen to them through the course of the movie[?], maybe a little, but I could have cared more. I wanted to see more of the two control room workers(Lauren Lapkus and Jake Johnson), they are hilarious actors and they need more screen time. Chris Pratt is a full fledged Movie Star. He was radiant on the screen and played the hero to a 'T'. Bryce Dallas Howard was good and I was very impressed that she could run through the jungle in Stilettos. The kids were alright, a little annoying at first, but leveled out once the action started.
Go see the movie. It was fun and a great summer popcorn flick. It is full of Easter eggs to the first movie, and I am sure with multiple viewing even more will come to the surface. If you have the chance see it in IMAX 3D, you won't be disappointed.
Carroll and Sir Wes, I recommend having some delicious short ribs and Belizean Beans and rice. Oh and don't forget the Imperial beer.
