The Jurassic World franchise has always been about big ambitions and even bigger dinosaurs, and Rebirth continues this legacy with mixed results. Directed by Gareth Edwards and penned by David Koepp, the film blends nostalgia, action, and some thoughtful character moments, but ultimately feels weighed down by its reliance on familiar tropes and its failure to fully refresh the franchise.

A Familiar but Functional Plot

Set five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, Rebirth attempts to pivot from the sprawling chaos of the last trilogy. Dinosaurs now inhabit tropical locales, removed from human civilization, a setup that feels both natural and a bit restrictive. The story follows covert operative Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) and her team—including paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey)—on a mission to retrieve dinosaur DNA from an abandoned research facility for a groundbreaking medical project. Add in a family of shipwrecked civilians who get entangled in the adventurous chaos, and you have the makings of a classic Jurassic narrative.

Unfortunately, the plot doesn't stray far from what longtime fans have come to expect. The stakes, while serviceable, feel overly familiar. The corporate greed motivating the genetic experiments, the dangerous island setting, and even the climactic dinosaur chases all echo beats from previous films. While the inclusion of a new hybrid dinosaur, Mutadon, and the much-touted Distortus Rex tries to up the ante, these additions fail to leave a lasting impression. There’s also a sense of safety—we know exactly when the scares are coming, thanks to music cues and retreaded setup moments.

Strong Performances Anchor the Action

Even with a predictable plot, the cast helps elevate the material. Scarlett Johansson shines as Zora Bennett, bringing a tough, commanding presence but with enough depth to make her relatable. Her dynamic with the gentle, dinosaur-obsessed paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (played with charm by Jonathan Bailey) creates touching moments amid the chaos. Mahershala Ali’s Duncan Kincaid adds gravitas as a morally conflicted crew leader, while the Delgado family injects a more human element into the otherwise otherworldly dinosaur antics.

The family subplot, centered around Reuben Delgado (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and his two daughters, offers emotional beats that land more often than not. However, the predictable arc of rebellious daughter Teresa (Luna Blaise) and her boyfriend redeeming himself is formulaic to a fault.

Exciting Action With Edwards' Signature Touch

When it comes to thrills, Gareth Edwards delivers. The action sequences are well-crafted, with tight pacing and some truly breathtaking set pieces. Highlights include an intense aquatic battle with a Mosasaurus hunting a small boat, and a gripping scene where the team faces off against the agile and menacing Mutadon. Edwards also brings back the awe that defined the original films, using quiet, reverential moments to remind viewers of the dinosaurs’ majesty—even if these moments are few and far between.

That said, even the best action feels weighed down by familiarity. After six installments, audiences have seen a lot of roaring dinosaurs and treacherous escapes, and Rebirth struggles to fully innovate on that front. The supposed centerpiece, the arrival of the Distortus Rex, is underwhelming and fails to make the splash that franchise newcomers like the Indominus Rex once managed.

Nostalgia Weighs on Innovation

Part of Rebirth’s strength lies in its ability to revisit the iconic themes and visuals of its predecessors. The DNA of Jurassic Park is evident throughout, with callbacks to the original films in both tone and storytelling. However, this reliance on nostalgia is also its biggest weakness. Koepp and Edwards lean so heavily on established beats that the movie struggles to feel distinct or necessary.

Even narrative decisions, like isolating the dinosaurs in the tropics to reset the stakes, feel like an artificial way of undoing the established chaos of roaming dinosaurs introduced in Dominion. While this ensures a more focused story, it misses opportunities to explore more interesting consequences of dinosaurs coexisting with humanity.

Moments of Heart Amid the Chaos

Despite its flaws, Rebirth manages to inject moments of heart and humanity. A standout scene features Dr. Loomis marveling at the dinosaurs with childlike wonder, paired perfectly with a subtle nod to the iconic John Williams score. These quiet moments remind us why the franchise captivated audiences in the first place. Unfortunately, these are far outnumbered by the predictable thrills.

Last Word

Jurassic World: Rebirth is a competent but uninspired addition to the franchise. While the cast brings energy and the action sequences are engaging, the lack of innovation and over-reliance on familiar beats ultimately hold it back. Gareth Edwards creates enough spectacle to please fans, but the film struggles to break new ground or offer a compelling reason for the series’ continuation.

If you’re a fan of the franchise or just love the thrill of dinosaurs, Rebirth will deliver enough excitement to justify a watch. But for those hoping for something groundbreaking, the movie stops just short of clawing its way to greatness.

Verdict: 7/10