Jurassic World Rebirth – Movie Review (3/5)

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH is now showing in theaters. If you’re still obsessed with dinosaurs and remember that magical thrill from the very first Jurassic Park movie, you won’t want to miss this continuation. And yes, once again, it’s us humans messing everything up. Read our full Jurassic World Rebirth review below!

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH is finally here – and as a longtime fan of both the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World universes, I’ve been looking forward to this one. Granted, not all the films in this franchise are created equal.

Still, I’ll never forget that gut-level excitement from the original. The score alone – as iconic as Superman, Indiana Jones, or Star Wars – instantly brings back that sense of movie magic.

With this latest chapter in the Jurassic World saga, the plot actually hits the mark. For me, anyway. Also, the runtime clocks in at just over two hours (officially 2 hours and 14 minutes including credits), which fits the story well.

Continue reading our Jurassic World: Rebirth review. Find it in U.S. theaters from July 2, 2025.

Humanity is bored with dinosaurs

Let’s start with the core concept of Jurassic World Rebirth, which – for once – really hits home. Basically, human beings have grown tired of dinosaurs. 

Yes, the novelty has simply worn off. Already. They’re no longer thrilling or the latest advancement of mankind’s scientific evolution. Sure, a few “incidents” (as chronicled in earlier films) didn’t help, but that’s not the problem here.

Instead, humans have turned their attention to the messes we’ve made elsewhere: pandemics, climate disasters, and extreme political tensions.

This so-called “dino fatigue” actually started nearly two decades ago – which is when Jurassic World: Rebirth picks up. The classic dinosaurs from Jurassic Park just weren’t cutting it anymore, so scientists began creating new ones.

Not on the original island – where the OG Jurassic Park theme park was located – but on a nearby island where everything happens behind closed lab doors. Just like all nasty experiments that are never meant for public eyes.

Naturally, it all went sideways (again), and the whole operation was eventually abandoned. What’s left is an island where a mix of classic dinosaurs and experimental hybrids (designer dinos, if you will) now roam freely.

Mercenaries and Big Pharma

Playing God and designing new dinosaurs isn’t exactly new territory in this franchise. We’ve had hybrids and engineered predators before.

But in Jurassic World: Rebirth, it’s no longer just about spectacle. Instead, it’s about exploitation. This time, it’s Big Pharma stepping in, which seems like a very logical step in our day and age.

A major pharmaceutical company is on the brink of a breakthrough: a heart medication that could delay cardiovascular diseases for decades. In other words, a drug worth billions.

All they need is a bit of fresh tissue and blood from Earth’s largest and most ancient creatures – the dinosaurs. Three different species of dinosaurs, to be exact.

Honestly, the premise feels disturbingly believable. Humans have always been willing to pillage nature for profit. And here, that theme is brought to life with a sharp and well-cast ensemble.

A strong cast sells the plot

As the morally complex mercenary Zora – someone driven by cash but not entirely heartless – we get action superstar Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow, Ghost in the Shell).

She’s paired with Jonathan Bailey (Wicked, Broadchurch), whose character is kind of like FRIENDS’ Ross Geller – if Ross were actually charming. He’s brought in to track down the dinosaurs and retrieve the samples as safely as possible.

A HORROR EASTER EGG?

Jonathan Bailey’s character is named Dr. Loomis. A name that will absolutely send a chill down the spine of horror fans. Especially those familiar with Halloween and a certain Michael Myers, who definitely also needed a doctor.

We also get a solid lineup in the supporting cast. This includes double Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali (Leave the World Behind, the upcoming Blade), Ed Skrein (Rebel Moon), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer), and Rupert Friend (Companion).

Well, to name just a few, because there are more core characters. As with any Jurassic Park or Jurassic World movie, we need an innocent family with kids that get caught up in the dinosaur drama. Jurassic World: Rebirth is no exception, but it works well.

Watch Jurassic World: Rebirth in theaters now

The latest entry in this still-kicking franchise is directed by Gareth Edwards. With Godzilla (2014), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and The Creator under his belt, Edwards clearly knows how to handle large-scale cinema.

The screenplay comes from possibly the strongest writer the franchise has seen: David Koepp – the original Jurassic Park screenwriter. Together with Michael Crichton, who wrote the source material, David Koepp helped launch the entire dinosaur saga.

While I’ve found something enjoyable in each Jurassic Park installment, there’s no denying some films are far better executed than others. Jurassic World: Rebirth actually feels like a proper rebirth.

It brings things back to a simple, solid storyline and characters you can care about. There are villains and heroes. Plus, a few characters moving around in the gray area in between.

And yes, as mentioned already, there are kids involved once again. Just like in every Jurassic movie. It’s part of the formula. That childlike innocence amid humanity’s darkest decisions has always been a poignant contrast, and kids highlight this perfectly.

Still a fan of dinosaur adventures? Then don’t miss Jurassic World: Rebirth. And yes, it’s absolutely one to watch on the big screen!

Jurassic World Rebirth was released in U.S. theaters on July 2, 2025.

Details

Director: Gareth Edwards
Screenplay: David Koepp, based on characters created by Michael Crichton
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, Audrina Miranda, Philippine Velge, Bechir Sylvain, Ed Skrein

📺 Watch trailer