By: debbie lynn elias
Under the direction of Spielberg protégé, Joe Johnston, this third installment of the Jurassic Park phenomenon takes us back to Isla Sorna off the coast of Costa Rica, also known as Site B of John Hammond’s “visionary” genetically engineered dinosaur theme park. When we last saw Isla Sorna, the Jurassic Park compound had been virtually destroyed and the island over-run with dinosaurs. Since then, the island, its surrounding waters and air space have been restricted and deemed off-limits to humans, giving the dinosaurs free rein to run amok (as if they ever needed permission).
After missing the boat for installment two, Sam Neill is back as world renowned paleontologist, Dr. Alan Grant, this time ably assisted by Billy Brennan played by Alessandro Nivola. Laura Dern also returns in a cameo as Dr. Ellie Satler, Grant’s former partner both on and off the dinosaur dig sites. Although life has moved on for Ellie, who you will recall desperately wanted to marry Grant and start a family, Dr. Grant is still studying his dinosaur bones – especially Raptors – while begging the public for funding to finance his digs and research.
Despite the restriction to Isla Sorna, capitalism will not be stopped and tourism has apparently found a market with parasailing being offered around the island. Our story opens with the disappearance of a tow boat and its crew, not to mention the parasailers it was towing who have crashed onto Isla Sorna. One of the parasailers is 14 year old Eric Kirby, admirably played by Trevor Morgan. Under the guise of being a wealthy thrill-seeking couple, Eric’s estranged parents (Tea Leoni and William H. Macy) convince Dr. Grant to accompany them as a guide on a “flyover” of Isla Sorna, enticing him with a check containing lots of zeroes as funding for his research. The Kirbys, however, intend to do more than just fly over the island. Having put together a small crew who the audience is led to believe are soldiers/hunters (one of whom is skillfully and at times, comically, played by Michael Jeter), their true intent is to land on the island and search for their son.
As the aerial tour of the island begins, Grant quickly learns that things are not what they seem to be. The Kirbys are not wealthy, the check is no good and, of course, from the moment the words, “I think I see a landing strip over there” are uttered, Grant’s worst fears are realized. Within minutes of landing the plane, carnivorous dinosaurs emerge, people become dinner, or at least an appetizer, and escape from the island seems impossible. While Grant is intent on everyone surviving and making their way to the coast in the hope of being rescued, the Kirbys are hell bent and determined to search for their son. Naturally, they do it loudly and in defiance to any instructions given by Grant. But loud is good and necessary to the film, as it gives director Johnston ingenious ways to introduce more and more dinosaurs, with action and “dining” sequences each more effective and shocking than the last. Some of the most intriguing bits of action involve a canyon rescue attempt using Eric’s salvaged parasail and a hot pursuit by flying Pterandons.
Luckily, young Eric is alive and we are once again reminded of the intelligence of children when it comes to dinosaurs. Being a dinosaur buff, and of course having read Dr. Grant’s books on his experiences on Site A, as well as that by Dr. Malcolm (whose character, previously played by Jeff Goldblum, is sorely missed here), Eric has survived on the island for eight weeks, fending for himself and oft times pitting dinosaurs against each other. An important survival note – certain dinosaurs are repelled by T-Rex pee.
Not merely a dinosaur feeding frenzy, the film gives an interesting take on dinosaur evolution, and particularly the Raptors, who we now see with communication and social skills so developed they can not only “call” for help, but can coordinate and plan attacks. And yes, despite the carnage and all of Tea Leoni’s screaming, there is still time for humor with satellite cell phones and dinosaur dung, as well as one very majestic herbivorous herding seen.
Despite a somewhat disappointing and “false” ending, we are, however, nevertheless left secure with the thought that there will be a Jurassic Park IV.
Stan Winston once again has the honors of creature creation, this time bringing us more Raptors and introducing flying lizards and giant Pteranodons, the latter of which are at times more “fiercesome” (as my nephew would say) than the T-Rex, and definitely more disgusting, poking, pecking, grabbing, snacking and leaving extremely large “bird droppings” everywhere they go.
Although shorter than its predecessors in both length and budget, the audience is not short changed. Joe Johnston does a respectable job as director, keeping the pace brisk and the action moving. Written by Peter Buchman and the team from “Election” and “Citizen Ruth,” Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, the script is tight and efficient, with few wasted words. And of course, Sam Neill turns in another fine performance, as does William H. Macy. Young Trevor Morgan, who gained notoriety on “ER” playing young cancer victim Scott Anspaugh, is perfectly cast here as Eric Kirby. Tea Leoni, on the other hand, although to be commended on her athleticism, really does little else but scream at the top of her lungs throughout the entire film.
A note to adults – unless well versed on your herbivores and carnivores, do not see this film without being accompanied by a child.
