Jurassic Park stands out in an age when computer-generated dinosaurs have become common, by employing practical effects in its iconic dinosaur scenes. Jurassic Park…
Jurassic Park stands out in an age when computer-generated dinosaurs have become common, by employing practical effects in its iconic dinosaur scenes. Jurassic Park uses them sparingly yet expertly for shock value without overusing or abusing them to shock us; in fact, even today the roaring Tyrannosaurus Rex opening scene still packs quite the wallop!
Story follows a group of scientifically-minded visitors as they visit an island theme park featuring dinosaurs cloned from prehistoric DNA, such as Dr Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and chaos mathematician Dr Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum). Park creator, billionaire entrepreneur John Hammond invites them on a tour in the hope that they will endorse his “miracle”.
As soon as the scientists arrive at Jurassic Park, their excitement quickly turns to horror as ferocious dinosaurs begin escaping their cages and rampaging across the grounds. Compounding this drama further is Dennis Nedry (Wayne Knight), an intruder who attempts to steal dino embryos from a cloning facility’s command center before triggering a power failure which allows their hunger-driven creatures to run amok.
As the tourists quickly discover, apex predators prove more formidable than anticipated, forcing the humans to fight back for survival. This movie offers breathtaking spectacle and thrilling action akin to Jaws; tension-packed sequences with breathtaking camera angles and John Williams’ signature score are only enhanced by three main leads who all bring something special and different into their roles.
Jurassic Park remains one of the crowning achievements for Steven Spielberg, as its direction embodied both childlike wonder and classic suspense, making an instantaneous family classic out of it all. Though some viewers may find its length tedious or its special effects overshadowed, Jurassic Park remains an epic blockbuster that delivers its promise with excellence.
Even though there have been other dinosaur movies before Jurassic Park, few feature such well-developed characters as in this one. Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum all deliver solid performances that help make it seem more personal than most blockbusters.
Jurassic Park proves that even in an era of ever-advancing technology, human connection remains at the core of cinema. Michael Crichton’s compelling script has been finely tuned for modern audiences; with some uneven moments and questionable pseudoscience in some of its segments. Still, Jurassic Park should be watched by anyone interested in dinosaurs or just those seeking an exciting adventure thriller!