Writer: Casey Chong

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Watch this if you liked: “Jurassic Park” trilogy, “King Kong” and “Godzilla”.

The Good, the Bad and the Dinosaur:

After years of false start and various setbacks, the long-delayed "Jurassic Park IV" - now officially known as "Jurassic World" - finally makes its huge comeback to the big screen. At the first glance, the very thought of watching such a beloved franchise being handled by a different director instead of Steven Spielberg himself sounds like a disaster-in-the-making (remember how Joe Johnston almost hits rock bottom with "Jurassic Park III" fourteen years ago back in 2001?). That's how this reviewer initially felt when rookie director Colin Trevorrow was chosen to direct the fourth movie. In fact, Trevorrow has no prior experience handling a big-budget studio picture since his last movie, "Safety Not Guaranteed" - also his debut feature - was an indie sci-fi comedy that only cost a measly US$750,000 to make. But surprisingly, Trevorrow proves to be a worthy successor who manages to tackle "Jurassic World" like a seasoned pro. As a summer-blockbuster entertainment, he knows how to build tension and suspenseful moments that gradually grow onto you before he goes all-out in the climactic finale.

Meanwhile, the action is both well-staged and exhilarating, with kudos go to Kevin Stitt's masterful editing and John Schwartzman's vibrant cinematography that makes you feel as if you're on a roller-coaster ride.

The special effects are top notch, with a seamless blend of state-of-the-art CGI and practical effects that makes the dinosaurs feel organic and lifelike (plus, they look incredible in IMAX 3D). This is especially evident during many scenes where dinosaurs are featured more in the broad daylight than ever before in the "Jurassic Park" series. In addition to that, there's the genetically-enhanced Indominus Rex, a hybrid dinosaur which is twice as imposing and terrifying as the iconic T-Rex and Godzilla rolled into one.

However, no effects-laden blockbuster would matter if the characters and the story-line are neglected aside. Thankfully, Trevorrow and fellow screenwriter Derek Connolly (along with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver) made an effort on developing lively characters - especially through Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins and Nick Robinson - that we can at least care about, while the plot is competently written with the same awestruck factor that made the first movie such a memorable cinematic experience.

Although there are a couple of flawed moments that feel cliched and shopworn, "Jurassic World" remains spectacular enough to earn its distinction as the best movie in the franchise since "Jurassic Park".

Look Out For:

The ultimate dino showdown during the climactic finale!

Trivia:

Three particular elements that's found in "Jurassic World" - the fully-functional park, the trained raptors and the synthetic dinosaur - are actually based on Spielberg's original ideas.

Best Watched With:

A bucketload of popcorn, since we are talking about a huge summer blockbuster featuring lots of dino-rampaging moments!

Cinema Online, 11 June 2015