July 5, 2025 – The Jurassic Park saga, a cinematic phenomenon that began over three decades ago, continues with its seventh installment, *Jurassic World Rebirth*. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring a star-studded cast led by Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali, this sci-fi action thriller aims to recapture the awe and terror of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 original. But does it breathe new life into a franchise showing signs of fatigue, or is it just another dinosaur chase? Here’s a candid review for global audiences.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Premise
Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion, Jurassic World Rebirth takes place in a world where dinosaurs have become a mundane nuisance rather than a source of wonder. The story follows a team of researchers, led by Scarlett Johansson’s character, on a high-stakes mission to an isolated island to extract DNA from three prehistoric creatures for a medical breakthrough. Alongside this main plot, a stranded family—a father and his two daughters—faces survival challenges after their sailboat capsizes, intertwining their fate with the expedition.
The film, written by David Koepp (who penned the original *Jurassic Park*), leans heavily on nostalgia, echoing the classic structure of humans venturing into dangerous dino territory. Yet, it introduces a fresh angle by exploring humanity’s growing indifference to dinosaurs, a meta-commentary on the franchise’s own struggle to stay relevant.
Strengths: Visuals, Cast, and Heart-Pounding Moments
Gareth Edwards, known for *Rogue One* and *Godzilla*, brings his knack for crafting immersive, large-scale visuals. The dinosaurs—ranging from majestic herbivores to a terrifying T. rex hybrid with extra limbs—look stunningly real, thanks to top-notch CGI. A standout river sequence and a daring helicopter rescue showcase Edwards’ ability to blend suspense with spectacle, recapturing the edge-of-your-seat tension that defined the original.
The cast is another high point. Scarlett Johansson delivers a commanding performance as the determined leader, while Jonathan Bailey’s paleontologist adds charm and wit, complete with “slutty” glasses that pay homage to *Jaws*. Mahershala Ali brings gravitas, though his role feels underutilized. The chemistry between Johansson and Bailey, described as having “romcom energy” by some, adds a layer of warmth to the chaos.
The film also succeeds in delivering classic Jurassic moments: slow-motion reveals of dinosaurs, close-up shots of wide-eyed characters, and plenty of heart-pounding near-death escapes. For fans, these callbacks are a love letter to the franchise’s roots.
Weaknesses: Predictability and Missed Opportunities
Despite its strengths, Jurassic World Rebirth struggles to break free from the franchise’s well-worn formula. The plot feels predictable, with familiar tropes like corporate greed, disposable “redshirt” characters (like Ed Skrein’s doomed security guy), and a family-in-peril subplot that doesn’t fully resonate. Some dialogue, littered with cliched quips, feels flat and fails to match the charisma of the cast.
Critics have noted that the film lacks the sense of awe that made Spielberg’s original unforgettable. The dinosaurs, while visually impressive, don’t inspire the same wonder, perhaps because their presence feels routine in this world. Additionally, the pacing drags in parts, with a slow start and repetitive chase scenes that rely on convenient last-second rescues.
Audience and Critical Reception
Early reactions are mixed. Fans on social media platforms like X have called it a “monster-sized adrenaline ride” and praised Edwards for leaning into horror elements akin to *Alien Romulus*. A child’s excited shout of “Spinosaurus!” during a screening captures the thrill it delivers for younger viewers. However, others have labeled it “blah” or “stale,” criticizing its lack of originality and forgettable characters. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has sparked debate, with some hailing it as a “roaring triumph” and others dismissing it as “flat soda.”
A Global Perspective
For international audiences, Jurassic World Rebirth offers universal appeal through its action-packed sequences and diverse cast, including talents like Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Philippine Velge. Its themes of corporate overreach and survival resonate across cultures, though some may find the heavy product placement (like blatant chocolate bar branding) jarring. The film’s global box office outlook is strong, with projections of $260 million by the end of its opening weekend, following premieres in London, Berlin, and Paris.
Verdict: A Solid Popcorn Flick
Jurassic World Rebirth is a mixed bag—a visually spectacular, thrilling ride that recaptures some of the franchise’s magic but doesn’t quite escape its predictable roots. It’s a step up from recent entries, thanks to Edwards’ direction and a charismatic cast, but it falls short of the original’s groundbreaking impact. For fans and casual viewers seeking a fun summer blockbuster, it delivers enough dino-charged excitement to justify a trip to the theater. However, those hoping for a bold reinvention may leave feeling the franchise is still searching for its spark.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Where to Watch: Now playing in theaters worldwide.
Jurassic World Rebirth is a PG-13 film with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes, featuring intense peril and mild language. Check local listings for showtimes.
Disclaimer: This review is based on a screening of the film and incorporates general sentiments from early audience feedback and critical responses, ensuring an original perspective for global readers.
