Jurassic Park (1993)
An adventure 65 million years in the making
Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, B.D. Wong, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight, Cameron Thor
Director: Steven Spielberg
Running Time: 127 minutes
US MPAA rating: PG-13UK BBFC rating: PG
Action, Adventure, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
On DVD For creatures that became extinct over 65 million years ago, it's amazing how dinosaurs never really go out of fashion. Given their popularity, come to think of it, it's more than a little surprising that it took Hollywood the bulk of those 65 million years to finally make a really good dino romp. But, credit where it's due, this one's just about worth the wait.
Ol' Dicky Attenborough stars as John Hammond, an eccentric dinosaur nut who's somehow managed to finance the creation of a prehistoric theme park - with real, albeit genetically engineered, dinosaurs as the star attraction. He's a bit like Walt Disney, only with a passion for prehistoric beasts instead of cartoon mice. And fewer links to Nazism.
In order to get the green light for the opening of his park, Hammond needs the endorsement of some outside expert opinions. So step forward child-hating palaeontologist Alan Grant (Sam Neill), leggy palaeo-botanist Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and chaos-daft mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum).
It's all oohs and ahs from the gang until, inevitably, the system goes Pete Tong, the beasties get loose, and the screaming begins in earnest. Director Steven Spielberg knows a thing or three about how to up the frighteners, and parts of this movie - most notably those involving either the T-Rex or the Velociraptors - surpass even 'Jaws' in the scary stakes.
The jaw-dropping CGI effects used still look sublime even 10 years on - in fact, a re-watch of this one almost seems to suggest the technology has since gone backwards. Certainly the FX used in both of JP's substandard sequels appear inferior by comparison.
The fact that the whole thing's outrageously far-fetched never seems to matter. Neither does the lack of characterization or the deviations from Michael Crichton's original novel (he also co-wrote the screenplay). It's the monsters that are the stars here and, let's face it, everyone loves a good monster flick. And 'Jurassic Park' is without doubt the T-Rex of all monster flicks.
DVD Extras: 50-minute'Making Of' documentary, weblinks, early pre-production meetings, storyboards, location scouting, animatics, 'Raptors in the Kitchen' feature, production photos, design sketches & concept paintings, theatrical trailers (including one for JPIII), dino encyclopaedia, production notes - it's all here.
It's Got: Sharp claws and row upon row of pointy teeth.
It Needs: A sledgehammer to get John William's infuriatingly catchy score out of your head.
Alternatives: Jurassic Park II: The Lost World, Jurassic Park III
Summary: The movie the dinosaurs themselves would recommend. If they didn't have tiny pea-brains and weren't all dead, that is.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 9th February 2003
External Links
Official Web Site
Jurassic Park at the IMDB
Comments11 Comments |
| Jurassic Park was a LODA film. It was the sexiest movie I have ever seen. If only the T-Rex was naked in that film. And plus, Alan Grant has the greatest body in the whole wide world. By the way, tell Steven Spielgaand to come to my place and 'teabag' me. I hope he knows how to, and what it is. |
| Comment by:- Chicken McLoda | | 09 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| dude ur messed up |
| Comment by:- Zo | | 17 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Dude what the hell are you talking about. This movies s*cked, it wasn't even scary you stupid *ss. And Alan Grant is the biggest prick in hollywood. I'd teabag you, sounds like fun. |
| Comment by:- Jo Jo | | 17 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| this movie is **** ****i this movie |
| Comment by:- Anonymous | | 22 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| i think this movie is ok |
| Comment by:- Anonymous | | 22 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| **** **** **** |
| Comment by:- Anonymous | | 22 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| This movie is my 2nd favourite after JAWS. It had lots of good scares, especially the opening scene with the T-rex. Great Special effects. The poor goat.. |
| Comment by:- M.J | | 02 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| well my comment is not much likely to those who were speaking bad words because, im just a 13-year old girl and in the Philippines there are no people who speak bad words........... well let's go back to the business i like the movie very much |
| Comment by:- rose cozy | | 04 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| i like the movie because you can learn on it and it is a science fiction film..... i would like to say hi to my family in cebu and to philippine science high school |
| Comment by:- robee | | 04 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| this movie rocks |
| Comment by:- LM | | 30 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| With breathtaking special effects and high-speed action, Jurassic Park is one of the biggest blockbusters of Steven Spielberg's celebrated career. The plot is interesting, and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. Check this one out...! |
| Comment by:- gilletbd1977 | www.thedvdreport.com/dvd_revie... | 31 January 2005 | ip: logged |
