The ongoing saga of the Jurassic Park franchise, which began with Steven Spielberg's iconic film in 1993, appears to be in a state of creative stagnation. Critics have humorously noted that in these films, it often seems like survival is more about wheezing than about the strength and cunning that Charles Darwin might have suggested. Since the original movie, the series has undergone a gradual decline, with filmmakers repeatedly attempting to revive its once-thriving creativity. The exception to this trend was the brief resurgence brought by Chris Pratt's engaging portrayal of a velociraptor-whisperer, which introduced a fresh dynamic to the mix.

The latest installment, Jurassic World Dominion (2022), marked what many critics are calling a nadir for the series. The film featured a chaotic plot that included kidnappings, assassins, and a frenetic chase scene reminiscent of the Jason Bourne films, all set against a backdrop that seemed borrowed from various other blockbusters. Viewers were treated to a mysterious character wearing a daring asymmetric dress, seemingly plucked straight from a Mission: Impossible movie, rather than a film focused on the majestic dinosaurs the series is named after. Despite the convoluted plot, the film still managed to rake in over $1 billion at the box office, a testament to the franchise's enduring popularity, even in its more mediocre offerings.

With the announcement of Jurassic World Rebirth, there was renewed optimism among fans. This new chapter is helmed by director Gareth Edwards, known for his impressive work on Rogue One and The Creator. Edwards has garnered a reputation for his ability to create visually stunning films that are meticulously crafted for the big screen. His collaboration with writer David Koepp, who penned the scripts for the original two Jurassic Park films, has sparked hopes that this film could successfully recapture the spirit of the beloved franchise.

The premise of Jurassic World Rebirth centers around a covert ops team dispatched to an equatorial island to retrieve DNA from three mutant dinosaurs. The goal? To develop a heart medication for the pharmaceutical giant, Big Pharma. The team is led by a mercenary portrayed by the talented Scarlett Johansson. Recently returned from Yemen, where she faced personal loss, her character is imbued with a sense of determination and enthusiasm for the mission, despite her somewhat implausible portrayal as a mercenary wielding weapons with an almost playful demeanor. Her infectious excitement is palpable, particularly in her interactions with the character Dr. Henry Loomis, played by Jonathan Bailey.

As suggested by its title, Jurassic World Rebirth aims to reconnect with the Spielbergian roots of the franchise. Viewers are treated to nostalgic elements such as teenagers dangling their legs over boat edges, reminiscent of Spielberg’s signature cinematic techniques. The film also features an abundance of Easter eggs that pay homage to the original Jurassic Park, which could delight long-time fans.

The standout feature of the film appears to be the introduction of mutant dinosaurs, the result of unethical experiments conducted by the bioengineering firm InGen. Among these, a notably bizarre six-limbed mutant known as Distortus rex captures the audience's attention. Edwards employs clever visual storytelling, foreshadowing the arrival of these creatures through subtle hints and movements in the environment, reminiscent of his work in Godzilla.

However, the film does face criticism for its treatment of human characters, often feeling like mere intermission snacks in the grander scheme. As the mercenaries travel to the island, they encounter a family on an unlikely yachting holiday. This subplot seems tangential at best, with the family appearing to have little significance beyond serving as an audience surrogate. Their separate journey diverges from the main narrative, resulting in a disjointed experience that leaves viewers questioning the cohesion of the story.

This bifurcation of the narrative creates a divide in audience engagement, with one half of the film appealing to adults while the other caters to younger viewers. Unlike Spielberg, who masterfully balanced both demographics, Jurassic World Rebirth struggles to find that equilibrium, leading to a film that feels uncertain about its target audience. Jeff Goldblum’s iconic line from the second film encapsulates this dilemma perfectly: “Ooh, ahh, that’s how it always starts. Then later, there’s running and screaming.” Despite a premise centered around mutation and evolution, this latest film appears hesitant to venture beyond the familiar territory.

With a rating of ★★★☆☆, Jurassic World Rebirth has garnered a mixed reception, prompting discussions about the future of the franchise and whether it can reclaim its former glory.

In addition to the Jurassic offering, another film gaining attention is The Shrouds, directed by David Cronenberg. This film explores the chilling premise of a tech entrepreneur who develops a burial system that allows mourners to observe their loved ones decaying beneath the ground. With Cronenberg's unique cinematic vision, the film promises to delve into themes of grief and technology, continuing his legacy of thought-provoking storytelling.