Five years post-'Jurassic World: Dominion,' an expedition braves isolated equatorial regions to extract DNA from three massive prehistoric creatures for a groundbreaking medical breakthrough.
(C) Universal
Dinosaurs are basically what everyone came for. The film, however, acknowledges that interest is waning, as also reflected by the franchise's real-life declining box office returns. Rebirth offers a solution to this problem by bringing back a missing piece from recent installments: thrill.
Under the direction of Gareth Edwards, the film successfully revives that sense of danger. We can actually feel the threat these creatures pose. This is complemented by a deliberate effort to emulate the tone of the earlier films. The result is a number of sequences that create a great communal experience in the cinema. The film keeps audiences on edge, anxiously waiting for the next creature reveal. At times, it even feels like a theme park ride.
However, returning screenwriter David Koepp can't quite tie it altogether, despite good performances from the cast led by Scarlett Johansson. The lead-up to the dinosaur sequences can be a chore to watch, and the early quips don't quite land. While it picks up in the middle, the story never really soars. Splitting the characters into two groups can also disrupts the momentum. Still, the dinosaurs make up for these shortcomings, providing enough spectacle to distract from the weaker plot points.
Make no mistake, Rebirth is a fun time at the movies, bolstered by a renewed energy. It'll make you scream with the crowd, and make you be at awe of the dinosaurs. But there's still a lingering sense that maybe it’s time to take a break from this world or approach it from a fresher angle. 2.5/5 ⭐
