Jurassic World: Rebirth
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐ ⭐ (out of 5 stars)
Ever since the introduction of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park over two decades ago, who would have predicted audiences would keep heading back to this prehistoric world? Jurassic World Rebirth is a soft reboot of the franchise that began with the classic Steven Spielberg chapter, which has manifested in the seventh outing into the world of humans and dinosaurs.
Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, we are introduced to Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) as she and her team make their way back to the forbidden kingdom. However, this time, the Island she finds herself on is the deadliest of them all. The dinosaurs placed on this Island are the rejects that were too dangerous for the park and are instead left to roam far away from humanity. The challenges this covert operative and her team face will bring many moral obstacles to the forefront of their plans. Lives will hang in the balance of the team's quick decisions and moral compass.
The ever-faithful pursuit of corporate greed drives the motivation to find the DNA found only in the largest dinosaurs ever created. The problem that has always plagued Jurassic Park is that the dinosaurs always manage to break free, and this chapter is no exception. Zora and her team are the best money can buy. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned from the very start for her team. A jungle adventure that brings its fair share of jump scares, suspense, adorable dinosaur babies, and a surprisingly well-written story.
Director Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) masterfully weaves two main storylines throughout the film, drawing on emotions and resonating well with parents. On the other hand, the director highlights the frailty of humanity while celebrating the value inherent in human life. Each decision and close call makes the viewer hope that their favourite character will survive the next one. Despite seeing magnificent effects that bring these beasts to life, this does not diminish the awe that comes from each new creature.
The list of strengths in Rebirth begins with the directional mastery of filmmaking. It was a beautiful movie to watch, and the classic Jurassic Park theme song accompanying the film will make you want to revisit it once again. This latest addition to the franchise effectively incorporates strong performances from the cast, elevating the animatronics and CGI to the next level, while also showcasing strong values that make the movie lovable. One challenge to the production is that the story is similar to previous films. The reality is that Jurassic World will run out of bigger and deadlier dinosaur species to one-up their last movie. Maybe? Knowing Universal, they will manage to resurrect these creatures for generations to come.
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REEL DIALOGUE: HOW DINOSAURS GET US TALKING ABOUT MASCULINITY
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo plays the part of a father named Reuben Delgado who tries his best to protect his two daughters (Luna Blaise and Audrina Miranda). Throughout the film, Reuben is helpless to save his daughters and has to learn to trust his daughters' insufferable boyfriend. Reuben, time and again throughout the film, shows his family what it means to be a father and a man.
When he is pushed to the limit by people and dinosaurs, he seizes the opportunity to teach his family what it means to be a man. In contrast to Reubens' manly, strong character is Xavier Dobbs, the boyfriend. Xavier's character arc revolves entirely around the respect found in Reuben and the way he decides to build up his daughter's boyfriend.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
The Bible calls on men to be strong and firm in their beliefs. The world is looking for strong men who are willing to protect their loved ones. Guys who are strong and tough enough that they will put their lives on the line at any point when their loved ones need a hand. But verse 14 calls on men to love. In all that a man does, there is always room to love. This is expertly shown through Reuban as he teaches the viewer what being a man is supposed to look like—one who puts his loved ones' needs before his own.
