Jurassic Park 3D MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Ariana Richards, Samuel L. Jackson. Sci-fi action thriller. Directed by Steven Spielberg.

FILM SYNOPSIS: First released in 1993 with a boatload of publicity, the sci-fi adventure concerns a wealthy man who has created an island amusement park filled with dinosaurs cloned from fossilized DNA. You’ll never guess what happens when he invites experts to be the first guests.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Two things I noticed: one, I’m not the only one who got older, so did the cast of the original Jurassic Park; and second, man, have a lot of filmmakers stolen from this film. Because special effects are superior today, even great sci-fi thrillers made by the even greater Steven Spielberg look a bit dated. Despite the silliness of the story (a dinosaur theme park – really?), Still, it has its share of arm-grabbing exploits and witty, dry humor – “Hammond, after careful consideration, I’ve decided not to endorse your park.”

As to the 3D, it’s okay. It’s not really necessary, but it doesn’t get in the way. Back in the 1950s, the three-dimensional look was a gimmick, mostly conceived to fight against television. But it died out, only to be embraced by this generation. If it’s done right, 3D can add dimension to the story, but generally the process is not well supported by ill-equipped theaters. (You really need a bright bulb in that projector; otherwise it’s just too dark.) If this effect brings in a younger generation who have no idea who Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum are, then I’m all for it.

The story, as I said, is pretty silly stuff. If, however, you can deal with some gruesome scenes and a lot of intensity, here is one Hollywood production without much crudity – I said without much crudity. And even after all these years, you can see that “no expense was spared.”

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Universal