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The Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Dinosaurs make serviceable return
THERE is a comforting familiarity to Jurassic World Rebirth, the seventh instalment in the long-running Jurassic franchise and a standalone sequel to Dominion. It is big, it is loud and yes, it has dinosaurs. Not too many, mind, but enough to keep the scales of nostalgia tipping just slightly in the film's favour. Directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One) and written by original Jurassic Park scribe David Koepp, Rebirth brings back the dino-mayhem blueprint that has delighted fans since 1993 – send a group of highly trained (or hilariously underprepared) humans into a remote island full of prehistoric predators, stir in a corporate agenda and let the chaos unfold. It is nothing groundbreaking, but as far as cinematic comfort food goes, this one is served reasonably warm. The humans are... there Headlining this summer's prehistoric parade is Scarlett Johansson as covert ops specialist Zora Bennett, a character that, despite Johansson's undeniable screen presence, often feels written by committee. Her team includes Mahershala Ali as Duncan Kincaid and Jonathan Bailey as Dr Henry Loomis, the film's designated brain with a heart. The dynamic trio is joined by a rotating cast of civilians and crew members whose screen time hovers somewhere between 'mildly essential' and 'why are you here again?' Truthfully, the human characters in Rebirth are a bit of a mixed bag. Some scenes deliver genuine chemistry, while others veer into full-on awkward territory, particularly when characters engage in clunky exposition or try too hard to be witty. Still, the cast gives it a decent go and while some moments border on cringe, there is a strange charm to how earnestly everyone throws themselves into the chaos. Over time, the awkwardness begins to feel almost endearing like watching a school play where half the cast are Oscar nominees and the other half wandered in from a sunscreen commercial. Bailey deserves an upgrade If there is one standout in the ensemble, it is Bailey. As the team's resident palaeontologist, he strikes the right balance between wide-eyed dino awe and quiet intellect. He brings a grounded energy to the film that keeps it from tipping too far into self-parody. Bailey plays Loomis like someone who walked in from a more serious movie and it works. His performance is perhaps the film's most consistent, even when the script occasionally lets the character drift. It is easy to imagine him fronting future entries in the franchise, should Universal decide to keep the bones of Rebirth alive. And if so, here is hoping they write more for him to do. Dino-light, franchise-heavy Here is the twist: for a film that bears the name Jurassic, Rebirth feels slightly underpopulated in the dinosaur department. Yes, the creatures show up and when they do, it is thrilling, the usual mix of stomping, snapping and strategic slow reveals. But in between those moments are long stretches focused on human tension, moral dilemmas and... dialogue. A lot of dialogue. There is an expectation, especially among franchise loyalists, for dinosaurs to dominate the screen. Instead, Rebirth sometimes sidelines its scaly stars in favour of plot-heavy missions and side character interactions that may or may not lead anywhere. It is not a deal-breaker, but it does leave one wondering if the film could have used at least five more minutes of uninterrupted dino panic. Maybe ten. Good enough and then some In truth, Jurassic World Rebirth is one of those rare sequels that knows exactly what it is: a mid-tier, high-budget romp that will absolutely land with the franchise's faithful and potentially win over curious newcomers with its slick visuals and high-stakes jungle shenanigans. For returning fans, the allure is simple: dinosaurs are back, the score swells nostalgically and there is enough connective tissue to earlier films to feel like a worthy entry. For casual viewers, the appeal lies in its self-contained storyline and spectacle, a blockbuster with just enough meat on the bone to make the ticket worthwhile. Some characters feel unnecessary, others grow on the audience over time. Bring the popcorn, lower the expectations Rebirth does not reinvent the fossil, but it does not have to. It delivers serviceable thrills, a decent dose of dino drama and one or two standout performances, all wrapped in the comforting cocoon of franchise familiarity. Some characters feel unnecessary, others grow on the audience over time and while the story never breaks new ground, it never completely loses its footing either. If anything, the biggest gripe is not about pacing or plot, it is that the dinosaurs deserved more screen time. In a movie titled Jurassic World Rebirth, there should be more... Jurassic. Still, for a summer blockbuster, it is good enough. Just do not expect it to be Jurassic Park all over again. Instead, accept it for what it is: a surprisingly watchable sequel with the occasional cringe, the occasional cheer and most importantly, dinosaurs. Because at the end of the day, no matter the plot holes, awkward character beats or missing T. rex minutes, one simple truth remains: People will always come back for the dinosaurs. CAST: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Mahershala Ali, Luna Blaise E-VALUE: 6/10 PLOT: 5/10 ACTING: 6/10
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Jurassic World Rebirth: There's life in the old dinosaur series yet
The seventh Jurassic movie, starring Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson, sees the franchise born again. Photo / Supplied NZ Listener Arts & Entertainment Editor Russell Baillie has worked at the Listener since 2017 and was previously the editor of the NZ Herald's TimeOut section. Jurassic World Rebirth, directed by Gareth Edwards, is in cinemas now. After the rampaging stupidity of 2022's Jurassic World Dominion, for which I can only hope Sam Neill was paid embarrassment money in his return as paleontologist Alan Grant, my hopes weren't high for this fast-arriving seventh instalment. Fortunately, it's a fresh start on the cast front. No more of Chris Pratt's dull dino-whisperer or Bryce Dallas Howard's tiresomely kooky gal from Jurassic World amusement park middle management turned pro-ancient species activist. And a new start on the directing front, too. Brit Gareth Edwards was a DIY special-effects whiz, whose low-budget debut Monsters was a good Jurassic audition piece. He then did wonders with two ancient franchises – Godzilla in 2014 and the Star Wars spinoff Rogue One two years later. Rebirth isn't quite the refreshing surprise that Rogue One was, but it's got a similar vibe of affection for the original series and Edwards clearly likes his big beasties, possibly more than the people running away from them. Given that much of the action on Rebirth is waterborne, this also feels like a tribute to Spielberg's Jaws, his first monster film from 50 years ago. There's a fair dollop of Aliens DNA in this, too, given the looks of a few mutant dinosaurs and the presence of Rupert Friend as a fiendish big pharma guy funding a mercenary mission to extract blood samples from the biggest of them. The originals lived so long, the theory goes, maybe they have the genetic answer to human heart disease. But no, you don't come to a seventh Jurassic film for a bad science lesson. You come to crane your neck in awe at the big vegetarian ones and watch our plucky heroes outsmart the carnivores. Rebirth offers plenty of both. The raiding party is led by Scarlett Johansson's Lara Croft-like mercenary and Jonathan Bailey's idealist paleontologist. He's only there because of waning public interest in ubiquitous dinosaurs means he's out of a museum job. Steering the ship is Mahershala Ali, an old comrade of Johansson's character whose very big boat gets us, eventually, after some Jaws moments at sea, to Île Saint-Hubert, a lush equatorial island chocka with dinosaurs. Also along for the ride are a yachting family whose trans-Atlantic voyage in a clearly inadequate boat has ended up on the island, where instead they get to go whitewater rafting while being chased by something T. Rex-adjacent. It's got less digital overload to its visuals than its recent predecessors, though its story, by David Koepp, who wrote the first two Jurassic films, can feel like a videogame – collect those samples and proceed to the next level and repeat. But there's plenty here that's stupidly exciting and has nice echoes of when Neill's paleontologist stared in genuine wonder at what Spielberg had brought to life. Rating out of five: ★★★
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Jurassic World: Rebirth' box office collection Day 7: Scarlett Johansson starrer ends first week with Rs 53 crore haul in India
Jurassic World: Rebirth has wrapped up its first week at the Indian box office with a strong performance, earning an estimated Rs 53 crore ne) over the past seven days. The film, which stars Scarlett Johansson and is helmed by Rogue One director Gareth Edwards , has proved to be one of the most successful Hollywood releases in India this year. After a thunderous opening weekend haul of Rs 38.2 crore net, the film saw the usual post-weekend dip, collecting Rs 4.2 crore on Monday. However, it managed to maintain steady weekday numbers, with Tuesday bringing in Rs 4.5 crore and Wednesday dropping slightly to Rs 3.17 crore. Thursday saw a marginal dip but pushed the total past the Rs 53 crore mark by the end of its first week. On the gross front, Jurassic World: Rebirth earned an estimated Rs 60 crore in India, placing it among the top-performing international titles in the market this year. The film now joins Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (Rs 67.51 crore gross) and Brad Pitt 's F1 (Rs 58.33 crore gross) as one of the few English-language blockbusters to cross the Rs 50 crore milestone in India this summer. Globally, the film is also proving to be a major success. It opened to $147.3 million in North America within its first five days — including a strong $91.5 million 'three-day weekend' boost. Internationally, it added another $171 million from 82 territories, with China contributing $41.5 million alone, making it the biggest MPA (Motion Picture Association) opening in the country this year. With a cast featuring Mahershala Ali , Jonathan Bailey , Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ed Skrein, and Luna Blaise, the film continues the Jurassic franchise's legacy while exploring fresh terrain both narratively and visually. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo As July heats up with more Hollywood releases like Superman, Fantastic Four, and The Smurfs, Jurassic World: Rebirth has a tough week ahead, not just battling new Bollywood films, but also the new Hollywood superhero landing in cinemas today.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
New Glasgow mural in area that feels 'like Spain or Italy'
Renowned street artist Rogue One (Bobby McNamara) has unveiled a captivating new mural on the hoarding between Brunswick Lane and Candleriggs in the Merchant City area. The artwork adds a vibrant touch to the area and becomes a new highlight on Glasgow's esteemed city centre Mural Trail. Known for his hyper-real murals and wry Glaswegian humour, Rogue One's style felt like a natural match for Candleriggs. Part of the new Candleriggs mural by Rogue One (Image: GlasgowbySamsung) (Image: GlasgowbySamsung) READ MORE: Artist behind Billy Connolly mural's mission to get artwork to iconic comedian The developer says, "His mural doesn't just sit on our hoarding. It blends into it. Becomes part of the fabric. "This artwork marks more than paint on a wall. It celebrates a wider moment for the Merchant City." Bobby McNamara, Rogue One, said: 'I felt that Candleriggs had a very nice cultural vibe and it felt like being in a little bit of Spain or Italy - so I really like that. 'I think the artwork is really adding to that, too.' New Glasgow mural in area that feels 'like Spain or Italy' (Image: GlasgowbySamsung) READ MORE: HUGE new mural being painted in Glasgow city centre by well-known artist Candleriggs brings new rental homes and new commercial tenants to one of Glasgow's most iconic neighbourhoods. The mural faces The Social Hub, which is also championing street art and creativity in the area, with their own newly commissioned piece by Smug. James Hart, from the developer Legal & General, said: 'We are delighted to support this latest addition to Glasgow's vibrant street art scene at Candleriggs. Our goal was to create an enjoyable public realm for everyone, enhancing the experience for Candleriggs residents, future retailers and passers-by. "This fantastic new street art achieves that beautifully. We hope everyone who visits Candleriggs and Merchant City enjoys it.' The mural is titled Butterflies in Her Eyes (Image: GlasgowbySamsung) READ MORE: New Superman mural appears in Glasgow - here's where to pose like the movie hero Rogue One is one of Glasgow's most celebrated street artists, known for iconic works like 'The World's Most Economical Taxi' and 'A View from the Clyde.' His murals are central to the city centre Mural Trail, which has been recognised among the world's best art trails by Wanderlust. His art not only brightens up and decorates the city but also tells stories that resonate with both locals and visitors.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
James Bond villain and huge film star shocks staff as he buys Thai street food in Leeds – would you have recognised him?
He's also appeared in Fantastic Beasts and RogueOne undercover agent James Bond villain and huge film star shocks staff as he buys Thai street food in Leeds – would you have recognised him? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC James Bond villain left staff members at a Thai street food restaurant shocked when he popped in unexpectedly to visit the outlet. The well-known actor had his breakthrough in the hit Casino Royale movie from 2006 before going on to land a whole host of further roles. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 This leading James Bond film star was spotted at a Thai street food restaurant in Leeds Credit: Instagram 4 He's had a slew of top roles but can you work out who he is? Credit: Getty So it is no surprise that restaurant owners were left gobsmacked when the star made an unexpected entrance into their eatery. He looked completely different from his time working with Daniel Craig on the hit films - but can you work out who he is? It is in fact, Mads Mikkelsen, who played the part of Le Chiffre in the hit movie. The food outlet shared a snap of Mads posing alongside one of its owners. Read More on James Bond BOND APPEAL THREE James Bond frontrunners revealed as 007 race reaches finish line They wrote alongside it: "A huge thank you to the brilliant Mads Mikkelsen for visiting Zaap Leeds this weekend! "An incredible actor and an even kinder man, it was a pleasure to welcome you. "From Fantastic Beasts to 007, and now to ZAAP Thai – a man of great taste! We're honoured you chose to dine with us. Hope to see you again soon, Mads!" Other regular restaurant goers could also not believe their eyes that the Hollywood star had stepped foot inside the popular food haunt as they raced to the comments section to share their excitement. One penned: "This is the best!!!" As another added: "No way!!" The 007 torture scene which James Bond star Daniel Craig admits he almost lost his privates in Before a third said: "Love this." Mads, 59, originally moved into acting in the early 90s and became a successful Danish film star before he started snapping up some of Hollywood's most coveted roles. His later starring roles include King Arthur, Clash Of The Titans, Age Of Uprising, and Rogue One: Star Wars. Mads also famously replaced Johnny Depp in the role of Gellert Grindelwald for the third movie in the Fantastic Beasts film series after the actor was let go from the role. He is married to choreographer Hanne Jacobsen. They have two children, Viola and Carl. 4 Mads Mikkelsen rose to international fame with his part in James Bond Credit: Sony
