After “Jurassic World: Dominion” left the franchise on uneven ground, “Jurassic World: Rebirth” roars in as a fresh start to a new trilogy, opening this week from Universal Pictures. Directed by Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One,” “The Creator”), the film injects new energy and faces into the franchise, led by Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey.
Johansson stars as Zora, a no-nonsense contractor hired by a pharmaceutical giant to lead an expedition into dinosaur territory, tasked with extracting DNA from the deadliest creatures alive. Ali plays Duncan, the seasoned team leader, while Bailey portrays a passionate paleontologist who once studied under franchise favorite Dr. Alan Grant.
As expected, the dinosaur action is thrilling, with a standout sequence featuring the T-Rex in a setting that gives the franchise’s poster predator a fresh twist. Unfortunately, the iconic creature doesn’t get nearly enough screen time, and the film feels less memorable because of it.
The series’ familiar theme of “children in peril” returns with the addition of Isabella (Adrina Miranda), a young girl stranded after a shipwreck with her family, only to be rescued by Zora’s crew. Her wide-eyed awe and danger-laden journey give the film its emotional heartbeat, attempting to re-capture the magic of the original.
“Rebirth” plays like a greatest-hits compilation of “Jurassic” lore. Edwards seems intent on honoring the franchise’s legacy, delivering crowd-pleasing moments and callbacks. But where earlier films broke ground—like Owen’s raptor training or the towering reveal of the Indominus Rex—this installment treads more familiar terrain. Even the new “big bad” dinosaur leans more toward “Alien” than “Jurassic,” and its lack of menace keeps it from leaving a lasting mark.
There are themes of morality and greed woven into the adventure, most notably through Rupert Friend’s portrayal of a corporate lackey willing to sacrifice everything for profit. Zora, meanwhile, is torn between duty and ethics, adding some weight to the otherwise popcorn-fueled spectacle. Isabella’s presence will bring in kids, but there may be some frightening moments for them, as well as some adult language.
Ultimately, “Jurassic World: Rebirth” doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but maybe it doesn’t have to. It delivers the thrills, the teeth, and the nostalgia fans crave. It may not distinguish itself from its predecessors, but let’s face it—an average “Jurassic” film is still more entertaining than most other action films out there.
@therealdewaynehamby Some thoughts on @Jurassic World Rebirth. #jurassicworldrebirth #scarlettjohansson #jonathanbailey #mahershalaali #moviereview #reelfaith ♬ original sound – DeWayne Hamby
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