Jurassic World: Rebirth Brings the Thrills, If Not a Whole New Era

“Survival is a long shot.”

That quote sets the tone for Jurassic World: Rebirth, the latest chapter in Universal’s dino-sized franchise, which roared into theaters over the Fourth of July weekend. Marketed as the beginning of a new era for the series, Rebirth has already pulled in over $300 million globally despite a mixed critical reception.

So, does this film mark a genuine rebirth—or is it a fossil best left buried?

Directed by Godzilla and Monsters helmer Gareth Edwards, with a script by franchise veteran David Koepp (Jurassic Park, The Lost World), Rebirth doesn’t reinvent the wheel—but it doesn’t need to. What it delivers instead is a fun, fast-paced adventure that blends action and horror in a way that fans of Michael Crichton’s original novels might appreciate.

Set years after Jurassic World: Dominion, the world has grown desensitized to dinosaurs. Museums are empty, zoos are exporting their last prehistoric specimens, and the creatures that once fascinated humanity now struggle to survive in climates that don’t suit them. Most have either migrated or been relocated to equatorial regions where the tropical environment helps them stay alive.

Into this world steps Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend, deliciously sleazy), a pharma executive on a mission: retrieve biological samples from three enormous dinosaurs on a forgotten InGen island facility to develop a cure for heart disease. He assembles a team led by mercenary Zora Bennett (a solid Scarlett Johansson), paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (a standout Jonathan Bailey), and covert-ops expert Duncan (the ever-reliable Mahershala Ali).

Naturally, things don’t go as planned. The team crosses paths with a shipwrecked family, led by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer), and soon finds themselves navigating an abandoned InGen compound, hunted by a towering genetic terror known as the D-Rex and other test-tube nightmares.

Clocking in at just over two hours, Rebirth juggles multiple characters, subplots, and tones with surprising agility. It leans more heavily into horror than recent entries, giving it an edge more akin to Crichton’s original vision—and to 2018’s Fallen Kingdom, the franchise’s most divisive (and arguably most ambitious) installment.

Edwards handles the spectacle with journeyman confidence, landing somewhere between Colin Trevorrow’s glossy Jurassic World and J.A. Bayona’s haunting Fallen Kingdom. While Rebirth may not offer much stylistic flair, it delivers set pieces that pop—especially a thrilling river-raft chase with a T-Rex, lifted straight from Crichton’s original novel.

The film also isn’t without subtext, even if it chooses not to dwell on it. A poignant early scene features a dinosaur collapsing beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, its massive body tagged with graffiti as a radio announcer casually complains about the traffic. In another moment, Dr. Loomis laments that his museum can barely sell 20 tickets a week—a stark contrast to the crowds he once saw lining up to marvel at dinosaurs.

When he’s later asked if he’s ever seen one in the wild—truly free—Loomis’s quiet, emotional encounter with a majestic dinosaur becomes one of the film’s most heartfelt moments, aided by John Williams’ iconic theme.

If the film has a secret weapon, it’s Jonathan Bailey. Fresh off his role in Universal’s Wicked as Prince Fiyero (and returning this November in Wicked: For Good), Bailey brings warmth, charm, and emotional weight to Dr. Loomis. He’s the emotional core of the film, and it’s his journey that gives Rebirth its soul.

Johansson proves she’s still a dependable genre lead, channeling a no-nonsense, Angelina Jolie-esque presence without the film needing to highlight her gender for added stakes. Mahershala Ali is excellent as Duncan, and the supporting cast—many of them newcomers—round out the ensemble with energy and charisma.

While Rebirth may not dive deep into the philosophical or ethical complexities that Crichton’s stories once explored, it offers just enough substance beneath the surface to keep things interesting. There’s even a faint King Kong allegory lurking if you squint hard enough.

Most importantly, it’s fun—and sometimes that’s enough. With a strong cast, thrilling set pieces, and a few surprises in store, Jurassic World: Rebirth proves there’s still life left in this prehistoric franchise.

Let’s hope Universal keeps the momentum going—and doesn’t shy away from getting a little weirder next time.

Jurassic World: Rebirth is now playing in theaters everywhere.