Jurassic World Rebirth review: Dinosaurs, mayhem and visual treat with wobbly plot

India Today

04-07-2025

It's been nearly three decades since 'Jurassic Park' first made us afraid of kitchen raptors and rippling water in a glass. And now, after a string of sequels that occasionally tripped over their own nostalgia, here's the surprise: this film is actually one of the best sequels in the franchise.After the uneven terrain of past 'Jurassic World' entries, 'Rebirth' takes the series back to its roots, be it misty jungles, creeping suspense or terrifying creatures lurking in the shadows, all with the glossy blockbuster sheen we've come to expect. Directed by Gareth Edwards, with a script by David Koepp, this instalment knows exactly what it wants to be - fun, scary, nostalgic, and just the right amount of ridiculous.And leading the charge? Scarlett Johansson, who finally gets her dino moment. For fans wondering what Johansson was doing in a Jurassic film, the answer is stealing every scene she's in. She plays her role as part scientist, part survivor with conviction and heart. In a film where most people are running for their lives, she stands tall, quite literally playing knight while others are busy bickering or getting chomped.advertisementMahershala Ali also gives the role more weight than it deserves. Always dependable, he brings gravitas to the screen, but it feels like the script forgets what to do with him halfway through.Rupert Friend plays the villain with a cartoonish flair that's oddly entertaining. On the other hand, Jonathan Bailey, despite his talents, is given a character that dampens the energy. As a brooding scientist-type, he tries to channel emotional depth but ends up feeling like the party guest constantly reminding everyone of the dangers of having fun. A solid actor, misused.The film doesn't waste time. We're dropped into a mysterious island where mutant dinosaurs roam, and things go south fast. What stands out this time is the horror tone. There's a real effort to bring back that creeping dread, long silences, foggy forests, sudden roars. One could argue it's the most suspenseful entry since the original. The dinosaurs? They look stunning. From the classics to new, terrifying hybrids, the VFX team deserves a standing ovation. Watching a Distortus Rex stalk prey in a smoky corridor or a Quetzalcoatlus swoop out of nowhere makes it clear that this franchise still knows how to stage a heart-stopping moment.
Visually, the film is a treat. The cinematography channels a '90s vibe in the best way possible, warm hues, wide shots of jungle vistas, and clever nods to Spielberg's visual language. Watching it in 3D only enhances the immersion.Now, is the story airtight? Not really. There are convenient plot twists, characters who disappear when no longer useful, and logic gaps big enough to park a 'Brachiosaurus' in. A random family gets wedged into the plot and somehow keeps escaping danger with utopian luck. And there's plenty of 'just-go-with-it' science. But somehow, none of that ruins the experience.What makes 'Rebirth' click is its energy and sincerity. Unlike previous entries that tried to blend sentimentality with spectacle, this one goes all-in on suspense, action, and retro thrills. The movie isn't trying to make a grand point; it just wants to entertain you. And in that, it fully succeeds.For longtime fans, it feels like a reward. There are clear homages to the original, from the musical cues to visual callbacks, but they're used smartly, not just as nostalgia bait. And for newer audiences? It's the kind of dino movie that could turn someone into a fan overnight.- Ends3.5 out 5 stars to Jurassic World Rebirth.