Is it worth it?

Yesterday I had the chance to rent and finally watch the new Jurassic World: Rebirth. As someone who considers themselves a true Jurassic Park and World fanatic, I came into this film with high hopes but also a fair amount of skepticism. Unfortunately, I walked away feeling like that skepticism was justified.

At several points, I found myself asking, “Where is this going?” and, more importantly, “When will it end?” The movie sets itself up well—picking up from Fallen Kingdom—but quickly fumbles its own potential. The fascinating concept of humans and dinosaurs coexisting collapses almost immediately, leaving us with the familiar beats we’ve seen before: greedy pharmaceutical companies chasing profit and ordinary people clinging to comfort.

The narrative splits into two threads: a family trying to bond on what may be their final trip together, and a mission-driven subplot where a wealthy executive risks everything—laws included—for financial gain. It’s a dynamic with potential, but one that ultimately feels predictable.

Dinosaurs: New Faces, Mixed Results

One of the more divisive choices here is the introduction of new dinosaur mutations specific to the mission’s setting. Personally, I questioned whether this was necessary. Wouldn’t it have been more impactful to lean into the original lineup of dinosaurs that gave this franchise its identity? Instead, the additions felt like unnecessary flourishes rather than meaningful expansions.

And then there’s the CGI. Of course, this franchise has long relied on digital effects, but part of what made the originals—and even parts of Jurassic World—so memorable was the blend of CGI and practical puppetry. Here, everything felt digital, which diminished some of that raw, tactile magic. The one dinosaur that stood out to me was Dolores, a small, adorable Aquilops that attaches itself to one of the characters—a rare spark of charm in an otherwise over-CGI’d roster.

A Nod to the Past

What did work for me was the film’s acknowledgment of its roots. As a lifelong fan, I recognized and appreciated the director’s decision to honor moments from the original Jurassic Park. These callbacks felt like respectful homages, and for a brief time, they reignited that sense of awe and nostalgia that made the franchise legendary in the first place.

Final Thoughts

Jurassic World: Rebirth had the right setup and all the tools in place to deliver something special. Instead, it slips back into formula: corporate greed, predictable arcs, and heavy CGI. While there are moments of genuine joy—especially for fans who catch the homages—it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to evolve the franchise in a meaningful way.

For die-hard Jurassic fans, there’s still some enjoyment to be found, but if you’re hoping for a bold new chapter, you may walk away with the same question I had: Was this really necessary?