JURASSIC WORLD (2015) 4.5

I expected to go to this movie and walk away wanting "more teeth" since I've been so polluted with special effects in the past and lack of follow through with remakes. However, I am pleasantly surprised by the innovative ideas, perfect casting, and use, but not overuse, of special effects.

The actual Jurassic World is an amusement park I would gladly visit. The awesome incorporation of technology with hands-on learning for the patrons is fantastic. From the petting zoo, to the "hamster ball," even with the souviner dinosaur balloon, the small details were polished and impressive. I found my jaw dropping at some of the amusements just as I would be if I were in the audience of the prehistoric SeaWorld-like attraction.

Casting is an abosolute homerun with this movie. All of the characters show conviction in their role, from the parents who have only a few scenes, to the children whose chemistry noticeably grows throughout the movie much like their own relationship. Chris Pratt definitely had a challenge in his hands for those who are somewhat cult-fans of Jurassic Park. His role in the movie seems flawless and like there were no others to consider for the role. I can ensure we will be seeing more of Ty Simpkins who plays the role of young Gray, an excited, but aware child.

There are numerous pair in the movie that feel 100% authentic. Christ Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. Ty Simpkins and Nick Robinson. Jake Johnson and Lauren Lapkus. Each of these interact flawlessly in a very subtle way. There is a short suggestion of somewhat forced romance with Pratt and Howard, but this develops into a natural conclusion over time even with little shared screentime.

Action movies have forced us to become totally desensitized to violence, blood, and even the "wow" factor with special effects. This movie is refreshing in that way. The special effects are not overdone and placed in the scenese when it adds value. The action scene with the hybrid and t-rex at the conclusion of the movie is captivating and a welcome change of pace. These effects allow you to forget you were watching a movie about dinosaurs, but rather animals we are not so familiar with; it made the plot a plausible circumstance.

Screentime of 124 minutes is a bit long, however there are no scenes that I feel are too extensive and should end sooner. Overall, I would highly recommend this movie, but you already know that being that within the first release weekend it has broken the global box office record.