Synopsis:
A wealthy entrepreneur uses genetic research to bring dinosaurs back to life, growing them on an island and preparing to make the world’s most exciting theme park. Life, however, is not meant to be controlled, and a weekend at the island turns to chaos when the animals break free.

Who’s in It?
Sam Neill is Dr. Alan Grant, Laura Dern is his professional and personal partner Dr. Ellie Sattler, and Jeff Goldblum is captivating as the eccentric and excessive Dr. Ian Malcolm. And of course don’t forget that Samuel L. Jackson and Wayne Knight (Newman) play fantastic supporting roles.

Review:
20 years later, and Steven Spielberg’s mesmerizing, imaginative, generation-defining adventure is still as remarkable as it once was.  From the initial eerie introduction to the park, where a dinosaur transfer goes fatally wrong, to the majestic helicopter approach towards the island and the beauty and terror that ensues, Jurassic Park is utterly and everlastingly captivating and enjoyable.

The film is undoubtedly best experienced on the big screen – the bigger the better. And the louder the better. The audio is noticeably enhanced, as subtle dialogue and noises come across crisper. The first roar of the Tyrannosaur and the screech of the raptor are deafening, and will make you jump even though you know its coming.

The 3-D, however, is superfluous. It adds a little bit of novelty, but also detracts in a few spots as well. It’s not terribly noticeable either way – the dinosaurs were never intended to come right at you. Save for perhaps one moment featuring a raptor, nothing jumps through the screen in a way that would warrant 3D, and because it wasn’t originally produced for three dimensions, it’s not at thick and lush as it wants to be. In several instances, the characters even seem skewed in size, and images in the foreground are blurry. It’s all fine, but unnecessary.

The film is better, though, due to digitalization, enhanced sound quality, and simply the fact you are enjoying a classic piece of magical story-telling in a crowded theatre for the ultimate shared movie experience. A critical viewing finds a few plot holes and lapses (seriously, what in the world is Tim doing jumping up and down in the control room?), but the film’s childlike charm transcends all of that. When Spielberg was at his best, you knew you were watching a movie, and you wanted to. He took you away to an amazing new world on an adventure that only exists in one’s imagination. That is where Jurassic Park is located, and it will never disappear, and never grow old.

Should You See It?
Absolutely. Doesn’t matter if it’s the first time, or the first time this week.

Memorable Quote:
There are so many from which to choose, but in keeping with the theme of the 20^th anniversary, the one that stands out the most this time around is when Lex gets excited upon seeing the tour vehicles: “It’s an interactive CD-ROM! Look, see, you just touch the right part of the screen and it talks about whatever you want.”

Oh they were simpler times, weren’t they?

[star v=45]