Dinosaurs in the city? Mostly a thing of the past. After the chaotic events of previous installments, humanity has managed to push the surviving prehistoric creatures out of urban spaces and back into isolation—mostly in remote, lush equatorial islands. But of course, we can’t leave well enough alone. Enter: science. Turns out dinos aren’t just apex predators and walking nightmares; their ancient biology might hold the secret to curing major human diseases. So naturally, a group of scientists, researchers, and unwisely optimistic corporate backers mount yet another expedition. Back to the island they go. AGAIN.
Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned in this franchise, it’s that poking dinosaurs for fun or profit never ends well.
Okay, so yes—my plot summary is sarcastic. But truth be told, Jurassic World: Rebirth is actually a surprisingly solid and self-aware course correction for a franchise that had almost gone extinct under the weight of its own ridiculousness (giant locusts, anyone?). This movie dials things back to the elements that made the original Jurassic Park magic: awe, terror, and a constant sense that you really, really shouldn’t be running through the jungle in those shoes. (Thankfully they’ve learnt and all women are wearing sensible shoes in this instalment.)
Gone is the convoluted science-for-the-sake-of-it. Instead, Rebirth brings back the franchise’s central theme: humans playing god and nature biting back—hard. The new cast injects fresh energy, with Jonathan Bailey as a standout. He brings real emotional grounding, a sly sense of humor, and yes, he looks unfairly good in those sexy little glasses. His accent slips a bit that I wonder why the science guy just wasn’t British to begin with.
The set pieces are excellent. The chases are tightly choreographed, the tension is real, and the dinosaurs are once again terrifying rather than cartoonishly weaponised. Is the plot airtight? Absolutely not. There are some pretty noticeable logic gaps and moments where you have to suspend disbelief higher than a raptor can jump. But when the pacing is this sharp and the set design this immersive, you’ll barely care.
Final verdict?
Jurassic World: Rebirth doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it remembers why the wheel worked in the first place. It’s not trying to be overly clever or add layers of unnecessary sci-fi fluff. It’s a movie about humans going into a dinosaur-infested jungle, getting in over their heads, and trying (and sometimes dramatically failing) to make it out alive. And that’s exactly what it should be. Grab some popcorn, don’t overthink it, and enjoy the ride.
This review was originally published in Super Quick Reviews and has been published here with full permission, expanded for Embrace Brisbane by the author.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
