Jurassic World Rebirth, the seventh installment in the Jurassic Park franchise, attempts to breathe new life into a series that has struggled to recapture the awe of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 original. Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Rogue One) and written by David Koepp, who penned the first two films, Rebirth promises a return to the franchise’s roots with a standalone adventure. While it delivers thrilling dinosaur action and impressive visuals, the film stumbles with a derivative plot, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of the wonder that made the original a classic.
Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion, the film establishes that dinosaurs have largely died off due to an inhospitable modern climate, surviving only in isolated equatorial islands. A pharmaceutical company, ParkerGenix, led by the shady Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), hires a team to extract DNA from three massive dinosaurs—on land, sea, and air—for a miracle drug to cure heart disease. The team, led by tough operative Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) and paleontologist Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), includes mercenary Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali). Their mission takes them to Ile Saint-Hubert, a former InGen research hub teeming with dinosaurs and a dangerous mutant hybrid, the Distortus rex. Along the way, they encounter a stranded family—father Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), his daughters Isabella (Audrina Miranda) and Teresa (Luna Blaise), and Teresa’s boyfriend Xavier (David Iacono)—whose presence feels like an unnecessary subplot.
The Good: Edwards’ direction shines in the action sequences, particularly a river chase involving a T-Rex and a raft, adapted from Michael Crichton’s original novel, which delivers heart-pounding tension reminiscent of Jaws. The visual effects are top-notch, with the dinosaurs—especially the Mosasaurus and Quetzalcoatlus—rendered vividly, benefiting from John Mathieson’s lush cinematography. Johansson and Bailey share a charming chemistry, with Bailey’s bookish Henry, a nod to Sam Neill’s Alan Grant, being a standout for his enthusiasm and moral compass. Ali brings subtle depth to Duncan, though he’s underutilized. The film’s B-movie energy, kicked off by a cheeky Snickers wrapper scene, adds a playful vibe that embraces the franchise’s pulpier roots. Fans on X have praised the horror elements and Edwards’ ability to make the dinosaurs feel both majestic and terrifying.
The Bad: Despite its strengths, Rebirth feels like a retread of familiar tropes. The plot—mercenaries on a mission, a family in peril, and a shady corporation—echoes previous entries without adding fresh ideas. Koepp’s script is criticized for its clunky dialogue and paper-thin characters, with the family subplot dragging the pacing and contributing little to the story. The film’s attempt at social commentary, with an anti-Big Pharma angle, feels half-baked and tacked on. The Distortus rex, a mutant hybrid, is inconsistently portrayed, with its size and threat fluctuating to suit the scene, undermining its menace. Critics note that the film lacks the awe and wonder of the original, with dinosaurs feeling more like obstacles than majestic creatures. The 52% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects this mixed reception, with some calling it a “tasteless” rehash.
The Verdict: Jurassic World Rebirth is a mixed bag—a visually stunning, action-packed blockbuster that delivers enough dino thrills to satisfy casual viewers but fails to evolve the franchise. It’s a step up from the lackluster Fallen Kingdom and Dominion, but it doesn’t recapture the magic of Jurassic Park. For fans of dinosaur chaos, it’s a fun, if forgettable, summer ride, best enjoyed on a big screen with a bucket of popcorn. However, with a predictable plot and missed opportunities for deeper character development, it suggests the franchise may be nearing extinction unless it finds new ways to inspire awe.
Recommendation: See it in theaters for the spectacle, especially in IMAX, but temper expectations if you’re hoping for a groundbreaking addition to the series. Rated PG-13 for intense violence, bloody images, and some language. Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes.
