JURASSIC WORLD : REBIRTH

Overview & Context

Directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One, Godzilla), written by returning original scribe David Koepp, Rebirth is the seventh installment in the Jurassic saga. It opens five years after Dominion, to a world where dinosaurs are isolated in equatorial enclaves. The plot revolves around a pharmaceutical plot: extracting dinosaur blood to cure heart disease. Scarlett Johansson leads the cast as Zora Bennett, joined by Jonathan Bailey (Dr. Henry Loomis) and Mahershala Ali (Duncan Kincaid), while Rupert Friend portrays the corporate antagonist. [1]

What Works

Visual Spectacle & Scale

Edwards proves his strength in crafting grand, breathtaking imagery. As RogerEbert.com’s Christy Lemire notes, “when the dinosaurs are battling each other … that old, familiar rush of excitement returns.” [2] Empire’s Ian Freer adds, “Edwards’ filmmaking is consistently on point, crafting a colourful quest full of striking images…” [3] The action set‑pieces—from river raft chases to cliffside nests—deliver prime summer‑blockbuster thrills.

Nostalgic Homage

The film’s nods to Spielbergian originals resonate. Rotten Tomatoes highlights that the movie “offers an updated version of the same basic ride Spielberg offered 32 years earlier” [4]. Variety’s Peter Debruge echoes this: “Rebirth proves to be more successful by keeping that disaster‑movie mentality in place…” [5] These callbacks provide a comforting sense of déjà‑vu.

Performances & Chemistry

Johansson, Bailey, and Ali form a strong trio. EW praised the dynamic of Johansson and Bailey, citing “Scarlett Johansson’s dynamic lead performance and Bailey’s endearing portrayal of Loomis, channeling the charm and intellect of past franchise icons” [6]. DiscussingFilm similarly notes their “infectious rapport”, especially in scenes that instill a genuine sense of wonder .

Where It Stumbles

Shallow Script & Overstuffed Cast

Despite Koepp’s pedigree, the screenplay feels bloated. Christy Lemire criticizes its pacing—“an awful lot of slogging through the jungle, literally and figuratively” [2] Empire concurs: “a brisk, uneven, mostly enjoyable romp,” yet ultimately lacking novelty. [3] Vulture’s Alison Wilmore bluntly states the franchise “really does manage to be boring” [7], while The Atlantic dubs it “pointless”, calling the human characters “mostly disengaged”. [8]

Hybrid Monster Misfire

The Distortus rex—intended as the film’s villain—fails to inspire fear. Vulture complains it should’ve been thrilling, but instead “makes dinosaur carnage feel dull and uninspired”. [9] Fanbolt reinforces this: while pure dinosaur encounters soar, the hybrid “stumbles… oh, so badly” [10]. Reddit consensus aligns, calling the design “meh” and more alien than dinosaurian. [11]

CGI & Sound Inconsistency

While some sequences dazzle, others falter in execution. IndiaForums remarks, “CGI swings between immersive and laughably artificial…”“sound design too lacks consistency” [12]. Mamamia echoes this sentiment: while intending menacing, the mutant creatures look “fake” and “Stranger‑Things monster” in parts [13].

Mixed or Divergent Critic Opinions

The Telegraph’s Tim Robey awarded a perfect five stars, calling Rebirth “the best film in the series since the original”, with unmatched visuals and sound. (vulture.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6rottentomatoes.com+6)
The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw praised the Spielberg‑style set pieces and the chemistry among leads. (indiaforums.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6newsweek.com+6)
Conversely, BBC’s Caryn James called it “no match for [the original]”, ranking it weakest. (en.wikipedia.org.)
Los Angeles Times labeled it “a straight monster movie with zero awe or prestige” (en.wikipedia.org.)

💬 Select Quotes from Critics

Peter Debruge (Variety):
“Rebirth proves to be more successful by keeping that disaster‑movie mentality in place…” fanbolt.com+2editorial.rottentomatoes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2

Christy Lemire (RogerEbert.com):
“There are some sporadic joys here in the clever sight gags… that old, familiar rush of excitement returns.” cosmicbook.news+2rogerebert.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2

Alison Wilmore (Vulture):
“The people tasked with making them sure are out of ideas… Rebirth… manages to be boring.” en.wikipedia.org

Ian Freer (Empire):
“It delivers a fun, well‑made summer theme‑park ride, with fast highs and slow lows.” rogerebert.com+2empireonline.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2

The Atlantic:
“A pointless summer sequel that struggles to recapture the original film’s wonder.” theatlantic.com+1empireonline.com+1

Final Verdict

Jurassic World: Rebirth succeeds as a visual spectacle and earnest summer blockbuster. When it leans into dinosaur action and Spielberg-inspired scenes, it momentarily reignites the franchise’s thrill. Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali inject life where the script falters.

However, the film is weighed down by a formulaic and cluttered plot, inconsistent CGI and sound, and a hybrid antagonist that never lands. Amid the nostalgia, there’s a nagging sense that the franchise is stumbling rather than evolving.

If you’re here for dinosaur spectacle and blockbuster thrills with a familiar vibe, it delivers—but don’t expect innovation.
If you want fresh storytelling, rich character arcs, or a hybrid villain that’s truly chilling—you might find it lacking.

Recommendation by Audience Type

You Are	You Might Like This If…	You May Dislike This If…
A die‑hard dino fan	You love the raft chase, jungle set‑pieces, roaring T‑Rex	You seek originality or depth – hybrids feel stale
A summer blockbuster lover	You enjoy spectacle, nods to Spielberg, face‑value fun	Expository pauses kill pacing; script feels hollow
A Johansson/Bailey follower	Their chemistry and performances shine through the noise	You want meaningful character growth or arcs
A franchise skeptic	You’re grateful for at least a competent reboot	You see it as evidence of fatigue—boring and forgettable

Final Score: 6.5 / 10

Rebirth straddles the line between satisfying nostalgia and formulaic exhaustion. It’s a decent return to form—so long as your expectations are modest. It’s not the “rebirth” the franchise needed so much as a reminder: the heart of Jurassic isn’t in hybrids or thrill gimmicks—it’s in wonder, restraint, and fear. If the series continues, a rethink—not just a refill—will be essential.

Top Reviews of Jurassic World: Rebirth