Jurassic World Rebirth Review: A Roaring Return with Mixed Results

Jurassic World Rebirth roars into theaters on July 2, 2025, as the seventh installment in the iconic Jurassic Park franchise, aiming to reinvigorate the series with a fresh cast and a back-to-basics approach. Directed by Gareth Edwards and penned by veteran screenwriter David Koepp, this standalone sequel promises thrilling dinosaur action and a new narrative direction. But does it live up to the legacy of Spielberg’s 1993 classic?

Plot Overview: A New Era with Familiar Echoes

Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion (2022), Jurassic World Rebirth introduces a world where dinosaurs are confined to isolated equatorial regions due to Earth’s inhospitable climate. The story follows covert operations expert Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), hired by pharmaceutical executive Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) to lead a team, including paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) and vessel captain Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), on a mission to extract DNA from three colossal dinosaurs—a Titanosaurus, Mosasaurus, and Quetzalcoatlus—for a groundbreaking medical drug. Their expedition to a forbidden island, once a secret Jurassic Park research facility, intersects with a stranded family, the Delgados, led by Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), whose boating trip is disrupted by aquatic dinosaurs.

The premise offers a compelling mix of corporate intrigue and survival horror, but the script struggles with pacing and character depth. While the concept of mutated dinosaurs and a medical breakthrough is intriguing, the plot often leans on recycled tropes and convenient coincidences, making it feel like a remix of past Jurassic films rather than a bold rebirth.

Performances: A Star-Studded Cast Shines Despite Thin Roles

The ensemble cast is a highlight, with Scarlett Johansson delivering a commanding performance as Zora, blending grit and emotional depth despite a thinly written character. Mahershala Ali’s Duncan brings intensity, while Jonathan Bailey’s Dr. Loomis injects humor and sincerity, with his “by-the-book” paleontologist stealing scenes. The Delgado family—Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Audrina Miranda—adds heart, with their dynamic bringing tension and laughter to the narrative. Rupert Friend’s Martin Krebs is a campy, Elon Musk-esque villain, adding a layer of corporate menace. However, the script’s generic motivations and expository dialogue limit the actors’ ability to fully elevate their roles.

Visuals and Action: Stunning but Not Groundbreaking

Gareth Edwards, known for Godzilla (2014) and Rogue One, brings his signature visual flair to Rebirth. Shot on 35mm film in real locations like Thailand, Malta, and the UK, the film boasts vibrant cinematography and a tangible sense of scale. Standout sequences, like a T-Rex chasing a raft and a Quetzalcoatlus attack in an abandoned temple, capture the awe and terror of the original Jurassic Park. The score by Alexandre Desplat reworks John Williams’ iconic themes, adding emotional weight. However, the heavy reliance on CGI makes the dinosaurs feel less real than the animatronics of 1993, and some action scenes lack the thrilling edge of Spielberg’s classic. The lighting crew deserves praise for making every frame glisten, but the visual effects don’t always match the franchise’s revolutionary past.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Mixed Bag

Strengths:

• Strong Cast: Johansson, Ali, Bailey, and the Delgado family deliver engaging performances.
• Visual Spectacle: Edwards’ direction and real-location shooting create a vibrant, immersive world.
• Nostalgic Homage: Callbacks to Jurassic Park and Spielberg’s canon (Jaws, Indiana Jones) add charm.
• Simple Premise: The back-to-basics approach avoids the overblown chaos of Dominion.

Weaknesses:

• Weak Script: David Koepp’s screenplay feels rushed, with clunky dialogue and flat character arcs.
• Lack of Innovation: The film recycles familiar tropes, missing the bold new direction promised by its title.
• Pacing Issues: At 134 minutes, the sluggish first half and stop-start island sequences drag.
• Underwhelming Thrills: Many action scenes feel generic, and the dinosaurs lack the terrifying realism of the original.

Audience and Critical Reception

Early reactions to Jurassic World Rebirth are divided. Some praise its action, visuals, and nostalgic heart, with posts on X calling it a “roaring triumph” and a “fantastic addition” to the franchise. Others criticize its forgettable plot and lackluster characters, with one reviewer labeling it “a brainless mess” and another noting it “blurs together without memorable scenes.” Critics from Variety and Newsweek highlight its thrilling moments and strong cast, but outlets like Indiewire and Looper call it a disappointing retread. The film’s PG-13 rating and kid-friendly tone, including a baby dinosaur named Dolores, may appeal to families but dilute the horror elements fans expect.

Final Verdict: Worth a Watch for Dino Fans

Jurassic World Rebirth is a mixed bag—a visually stunning, nostalgia-driven adventure weighed down by a mediocre script and lack of innovation. It’s a step up from Dominion but falls short of the original Jurassic Park’s magic. Fans of dinosaur action and the stellar cast will find enough to enjoy, but those seeking a fresh, thrilling reboot may leave disappointed. Catch it in theaters on July 2, 2025, for a summer blockbuster experience, but temper expectations for a transformative “rebirth.”

Jurassic World: Rebirth is a thrilling ride for fans of the franchise, packed with nostalgia and dino-action. However, it stumbles in its effort to evolve beyond familiar territory. Worth watching—but don’t expect a groundbreaking resurrection.

Rating: 6.5/10
Share your thoughts on Jurassic World Rebirth below! Will you be watching this dino spectacle?