The term “Rebirth”in Jurassic World: Rebirth signifies more than just the return of dinosaurs—it symbolizes a potential new beginning for the entire franchise. This film presents an opportunity to reconnect with the fundamental essence of the original Jurassic Park, taking cues from what continues to resonate with audiences and using that as a foundation for the next installment.
Under the direction of modern sci-fi expert Gareth Edwards, Jurassic World: Rebirth aims to offer a fresh perspective, featuring a new ensemble cast and crew. In light of the franchise’s recent decline in quality, this film emerges as a glimmer of hope for its fans. However, for Rebirth to truly excel, it needs to look back over three decades to draw inspiration from Steven Spielberg’s iconic film that initially captured our hearts.
Jurassic World: Rebirth Should Adhere to the Theme of Jurassic Park
The essence of any Jurassic Park or Jurassic World film hinges upon its alignment with the franchise’s core theme. In Fallen Kingdom and Dominion, this theme has been notably muted. Instead, the focus shifted primarily to computer-generated action sequences, sidelining genuine storytelling. While 1993’s Jurassic Park was adventurous and entertaining, it maintained an emotional core that has contributed significantly to its timeless appeal. Despite all sequels achieving considerable box office success, they lack the groundbreaking influence of the original.
The central theme of Jurassic Park remains relevant, as it delves into humanity’s hazardous inclination to act as God by attempting to dominate and alter nature. This narrative prompts the timeless question: “How far is too far?”—revealing the truth that life inevitably finds a way forward. Although cloned dinosaurs present immediate dangers, the real villain lies in corporate greed. The chaos stems not solely from hacker Dennis Nedry’s betrayal but also from John Hammond’s reckless “spared no expense” philosophy, culminating in disastrous outcomes.
What Makes Jurassic Park Timeless?
Jurassic Park boasts a poignant emotional framework that resonates even in the absence of dinosaurs, showcasing the strength of its writing. For instance, the character of Dr. Alan Grant, portrayed by Sam Neill, serves as a father figure to Hammond’s grandchildren, ensuring the film retains its humanity amidst grand spectacles. On a darker note, John Hammond is painted as a figure of unchecked ambition, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney. Ultimately, the primary moral lesson emerges clear: just because scientific advancement is achievable doesn’t mean it should be pursued.
In contrast, the Jurassic World films seem to have deviated from this foundational message. These films often treat dinosaurs as monstrous entities rather than as awe-inspiring, extinct species resurrected through science. The introduction of hybrid dinosaurs and genetically engineered super-locusts appears oriented towards shock value, distancing the audience from the narrative. Furthermore, the latest series has missed opportunities to innovate; unlike Jurassic Park, which brilliantly combined animatronics and CGI to create an immersive experience, the newer films have failed to evoke the same sense of wonder.
The Jurassic World Franchise Has a Chance to Redeem Itself with Rebirth
Set five years after Dominion, Jurassic World: Rebirth depicts a world where dinosaurs inhabit remote tropical regions, with humans attempting to coexist alongside them. Covert operations expert Zora Bennett, played by Scarlett Johansson, embarks on a mission to retrieve genetic material from three enormous dinosaurs, essential for developing life-saving medications. This narrative mirrors the original inspiration behind Spielberg’s adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel, even before its publication. It narrates a tale centered on the manipulation of nature for humanity’s gain. In the brief documentary Return to Jurassic Park, Spielberg highlighted the source material as:
[…] a very credible examination of how dinosaurs may eventually coexist with contemporary humanity.
If the franchise aspires to continue producing films, Jurassic World: Rebirth must deviate from the paths taken by its predecessors. With Gareth Edwards at the helm—who has a well-documented admiration for Spielberg and whose 1996 graduation film drew loose inspiration from Jurassic Park—the project is in capable hands. Moreover, the involvement of David Koepp, the original film’s screenwriter, alongside Spielberg as Executive Producer through Amblin Entertainment, and longtime producers Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, positions Rebirth as an exceptional opportunity for the franchise to return to its Jurassic roots.
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