Kay Reviews Jurassic World
When you make a meta statement early on in your movie, the path forward can be tricky. It’s been clear from the advertising as well as the film itself that Jurassic World’s message is in regards to the concept of a “summer blockbuster sequel”. Like the idea that these movies should be bigger, louder, and have more explosions, within the movie the park’s effort to impress their audience means their newest dinosaur should be bigger, scarier, and a greater danger to anyone remotely near it.
But then the movie goes on to be nothing more than a typical summer blockbuster sequel. That’s not a horrible thing, but it also means the movie kind of condemns itself. It’s certainly entertaining and the dinosaurs are very well done, but it never rises above anything more than a tribute to Jurassic Park.
Hat tips and nods to the original abound. Chances are though, it won’t make you jump out of your seat in quite the same way as the first story. The characters are unfortunately rather flat and while Claire is the character with a story arc, it’s neither the vehicle for a great female lead that the director says it is or a great male lead like the marketing indicates.
The best way to enjoy this movie is to temper your expectations. Don’t come banking on the tension, gravity, or heart of the original, but keep your nostalgia antennae up and you’ll probably find this a fun ride.
To hear more of my thoughts on Jurassic World with spoilers, keep an ear out for an upcoming episode of the podcast Fangirl Chat.
Jurassic World was part of Strange Age of Tomorrowland World Awakens, my top ten movies to see in 2015.
Kay grew up wanting to be an astronaut. After seeing Star Wars, she wanted to be Princess Leia, Han Solo, and an astronaut. A voice actor, photographer, and artist who also consults in communications and marketing, Kay spends the little bit of free time she has reading, reviewing, and, of course, making pew pew noises. She would pick up more jobs, hobbies, and fitness routines if she was a Time Lord. You can follow her on Twitter.
Kay is FANgirl's resident geek fashion expert and co-host of the Hyperspace Theories podcast. She reviews books and movies for the site with a heart for storytelling and a mind that likes to analyze. Kay's been a guest on various podcasts sharing her love and knowledge of storytelling, film-making, fashion, and of course, Star Wars.
Most days are filled with her work as a creative services professional - designing websites & branding, photographing, voice acting, editing, and more. Kay spends the little bit of free time she has reading, costuming, and, of course, making pew pew noises. She would pick up more jobs and hobbies if she was a Time Lord.
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