
“Jurassic World” will no doubt take a dinosaur-sized bite out of the summer box office this Friday, but critics are divided about the film’s quality.
Universal’s “Jurassic Park” sequel currently has a 67-percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with some reviewers praising its action and others turned off by its lack of cohesive plot or rounded characters and a failure to live up to the Steven Spielberg original.
Alonso Duralde wrote in his review for TheWrap:
“Trouble is, ‘Jurassic World’ never works all that hard to wow us, either with groundbreaking effects or with a story that remotely holds our attention. If ‘Jurassic Park’ was a bright, clean, gleaming state-of-the-art attraction, this latest iteration feels shabby and unexciting, with a definite feeling that the carnies are dealing meth behind the haunted house.”
See photos: 'Jurassic World's' Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard Stomp Into Hollywood Premiere
Jacob Hall of the New York Daily News:
Director Colin Trevorrow never manages to capture that Spielbergian sense of wonder — could anyone? — but he proves himself a more-than-adequate purveyor of cinematic mayhem. For much of its running time, ‘Jurassic World’ plays like a great theme park ride. In an age of blockbusters that lumber like herbivores, it’s refreshing to see a movie as lean and mean as a velociraptor.”
Also read: 5 Ways Steven Spielberg's Original 'Jurassic Park' Changed Hollywood History
Jordan Hoffman of Popular Mechanics:
“It’s quite possible this third return to the island will be a profitable one. But from an artistic and entertainment point of view, this can only be called a disappointment. There are a few nifty moments (three at the most) and Chris Pratt remains our most likable new Hollywood star. But this does not make up for the idiotic plot, flat characters, ill-defined conflict, and rote action scenes. ‘Jurassic World’ is a triceratops-sized dud.”
Also read: 'Jurassic World's' Fictional Theme Park Would Cost Over $23 Billion in Real Life
Mike Ryan of Uproxx:
“That’s what these movies are: People show up on an island to see dinosaurs; people get eaten by dinosaurs. There are only so many scenarios that can be created to make sure this happens, as even Spielberg found out with ‘The Lost World.’ So, given these confines, Trevorrow has made a movie that is very entertaining, even when it feels familiar. It’s pretty much exactly what you think it will be, and honestly, is a little better than it even needs to be.”
Matt Singer of Screen Crush:
“The heroes and villains of Steven Spielberg‘s Jurassic Park were intellectuals; scientists, mathematicians, academics and hugely successful entrepreneurs. They were mostly smart people doing smart things. With the exception of Dr. Wu and maybe Chris Pratt‘s raptor trainer Owen Grady, the protagonists in ‘Jurassic World’ are all dummies doing dumb things that lead, directly and indirectly, to their deaths and the deaths of hundreds of other people.”
See video: 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park' in New Honest Trailer Is '2 Jurassic 2 Furious'
Scott Mendelson of Forbes:
The highest compliment that I can pay to Jurassic World is that it stands on its own feet. While it is obviously a sequel to Steven Spielberg‘s Jurassic Park, it does not use that 1993 film or the two prior sequels as a thematic crutch. There are explicit and implicit references to events of the first film, but it mostly succeeds on its own merits as a topical and exciting adventure film. The good news is that director Colin Trevorrow has crafted a gorgeous, exciting, and mostly entertaining monster movie.
'Jurassic World's' Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard Stomp Into Hollywood Premiere (Photos)
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The dinosaurs of "Jurassic World" took over Hollywood on Tuesday night for the L.A. premiere of the blockbuster that stomps into theaters on Friday. And along with them came the stars of the highly anticipated fourth entry in the "Jurassic Park" franchise. Leading man Chris Pratt was joined by his actress wife Anna Faris, who patiently waited while he signed autographs for the throngs of fans on Hollywood Boulevard outside the Dolby Theatre. Wearing a shimmering Rubin Singer's dark silver glass embroidered cocktail dress, the "Scary Movie" actress at least got a kiss for her trouble providing a cute photo op on the red carpet.
"Also: "'Jurassic
Getty Images Bryce Dallas Howard, who plays a theme park executive in Universal's prehistoric epic, was as dramatic as a T-Rex in a floor-length navy backless gown and deep red lips. Co-star Vincent D'Onofrio didn't have any velociraptors to train at the premiere, but he did have a pack of reporters to face. Also in attendance at the glamorous event were Sofia Vergara with Joe Manganiello, director Colin Trevorrow, actress Angie Harmon, Greer Grammer and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn."Also: "'Jurassic
Getty Images A world away from Margaritaville, singer Jimmy Buffett gave the premiere some island-themed entertainment when he performed at the post-party. Set 22 years after the events of "Jurassic Park" (which was released in 1993), Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor's interest, which backfires horribly. "Jurassic World" was directed by Trevorrow, who co-wrote the screenplay with Derek Connolly. Steven Spielberg, who directed the original 1993 film, serves as executive producer."Also: "'Jurassic
Getty Images42 Summer Movies on Our Radar: From 'Avengers,' 'Jurassic World' to 'Magic Mike XXL' (Photos)
-
-
Marvel/Disney
"Avengers: Age of Ultron" - May 1
The elite superhero team -- including Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans -- assembles again in this follow up to the 2012 blockbuster. -
Alchemy
"Welcome to Me" - May 1
Kristen Wiig stars in this indie drama about a woman with borderline personality disorder who buys herself a cable access talk show after winning the lottery. Will Ferrell and Adam McKay produced. -
IFC
"The D-Train" - May 8
Jack Black plays the head of his high school reunion committee who must convince the most popular guy in his class (James Marsden) to attend the reunion in this Sundance pic. -
Roadside Attractions
"Maggie" - May 8
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in this indie as a father who stays with his daughter (Abigail Breslin) as she transforms into a zombie. -
Warner Bros
"Hot Pursuit" - May 8
Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara star in this buddy comedy about a straight-laced cop (Witherspoon) tasked with escorting a witness (Vergara) to her trial -
Relativity
"The Connection" - May 15
Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin stars in this French crime thriller as a real-life policeman who dedicates his career to taking down a drug lord (Gilles Lellouche) -
Warner Bros.
"Mad Max: Fury Road" - May 15
Tom Hardy takes over the role that made Mel Gibson an international star in this reboot from the madcap mind of George Miller -
Universal
"Pitch Perfect 2" - May 15
Anna Kendrick returns for the song-filled sequel to the 2012 musical smash hit. -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Poltergeist" - May 22
Sam Rockwell leads a remake of the 1982 horror classic that was originally written by Steven Spielberg. -
Disney
"Tomorrowland" - May 22
George Clooney and Britt Robertson star in a sci-fi fantasy about a man and woman who must discover the secrets of a strange land lost in time and space. -
Columbia Pictures/Twentieth Century Fox
"Aloha" - May 29
Cameron Crowe directs Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone in a romantic comedy about a military contractor overseeing a satellite launch in Hawaii. -
Warner Bros.
"San Andreas" - May 29
Dwayne Johnson stars in a disaster movie about a chopper pilot who must rescue his daughter (Alexandra Daddario) after a massive earthquake strikes California.
-
HBO/Warner Bros.
"Entourage" - June 5
Vince (Adrian Grenier) drives Ari (Jeremy Piven) up the wall when he decides to direct and star in his own movie in the big screen version of the HBO show. -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Spy" - June 5
Melissa McCarthy co-wrote and stars in a comedy about a CIA analyst who gets her chance to work in the field when an arms dealer (Rose Byrne) threatens to destabilize the world. -
Blumhouse
"Insidious Chapter 3" - June 5
In this horror prequel, psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) agrees to help teenager (Stefanie Scott) who is being targeted by a supernatural force. -
Legendary Pictures
"Jurassic World" - June 12
Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas-Howard lead the latest installment in the Michael Crichton-inspired series. This time around, the park is terrorized by a genetically-engineered dinosaur that escapes its enclosure. -
Fox Searchlight
"Me and Earl and The Dying Girl" - June 12
This 2015 Sundance Grand Jury winner follows an anti-social teen (Thomas Mann) who falls in love with a classmate (Olivia Cooke) who has leukemia. -
Open Road Films
"Dope" - June 19
This Sundance breakout centers on a teen (Shameik Moore) trying to make his Ivy League dreams come true in his tough LA neighborhood. -
Disney/Pixar
"Inside Out" - June 19
Pixar takes us inside the mind of a little girl as her emotions vie for control. Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader all lend their voices. -
Universal Pictures
"Ted 2" - June 26
Seth MacFarlane's foul-mouthed teddy bear returns in the sequel that finds Ted (voiced by MacFarlane) and John (Mark Wahlberg) fighting in court to prove that Ted is human. -
Warner Bros
"Batkid Begins" June 26
This feel-good documentary tells the story of a five-year-old leukemia patient who inspired people from all over the world to help him live out his dream of being Batman for a day. -
Warner Bros
"Max" - June 26
A Marine-trained German shepherd is sent to live with the family of his former handler (Robbie Amell), who was killed in Afghanistan -
EuropaCorp
"Big Game" - June 26
A teenage-boy (Onni Tommila) rescues the President of the United States (Samuel L. Jackson) when Air Force One crash lands near his campsite. -
Warner Bros.
"Magic Mike XXL" - July 1
Channing Tatum gyrates his way into this sequel as stripper "Magic" Mike who decides to attend an annual stripper conference in Myrtle Beach. -
Paramount
"Terminator: Genisys" - July 1
Arnold Schwarzenegger is back as the unstoppable android as he fights to protect Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) with the help of Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney). -
Universal Pictures
"Minions" - July 2
The Minions are back in this "Despicable Me" spinoff. This time, they are recruited by a super-villainess (Sandra Bullock) in her plot to take over the world. -
Relativity
"The Bronze" - July 10
"Big Bang Theory" star Melissa Rauch co-wrote and stars in this comedy about a former Olympic athlete clinging to her last shreds of fame. -
Focus Features
"Self/Less" - July 10
Ryan Reynolds stars in this thriller about a wealthy, dying man who pays to have his consciousness transferred into a younger body. When he begins to investigate where the body came from, he discovers a terrifying mystery -
Marvel/Disney
"Ant-Man" - July 17
Paul Rudd leads this Marvel comic adaptation about a con man who is given a device that can shrink him in scale by Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). -
Universal Pictures
"Trainwreck" - July 17
Amy Schumer and Bill Hader star in a Judd Apatow comedy about a magazine writer (Schumer) who refuses to commit, until her relationship with a doctor (Hader) challenges her notions of monogamy. -
IFC
"Stanford Prison Experiment" - July 17
Based on the infamous 1971 psychological experiment, 24 male students volunteer to play prisoners or guards in a mock-prison, only for things to spiral completely out of control. -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Paper Towns" - July 24
Based on the novel by John Green, Nat Wolff plays a boy who convinces his friends to embark on a road trip to find the missing girl next door (Cara Delevingne). -
Columbia Pictures
"Pixels" - July 24
Adam Sandler leads a team of gamers (Kevin James, Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage) who must fight aliens that invade Earth in the form of classic video games. -
The Weinstein Company
"Southpaw" - July 24
Jake Gyllenhaal packed on the muscle for this drama about a troubled boxer fighting to regain custody of his daughter. Antoine Fuqua directed based on a script by Kurt Sutter. -
Sony Classics
"Irrational Man" - July 24
Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone star in a Woody Allen film about a college philosophy professor (Phoenix) who enters into a relationship with his student (Stone). -
Paramount
"Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" - July 31
Tom Cruise once again does the impossible as he leads his team against an international syndicate intent on destroying the Impossible Mission Force. -
A24
"End of the Tour" - July 31
Jesse Eisenberg stars as Rolling Stone journalist David Lipsky as he conducts a series of interviews with author David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel). The film is based on Lipsky's book, "Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself." -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Fantastic Four" - August 7
Miles Teller (Mr. Fantastic), Michael B. Jordan (Human Torch), Kate Mara (Invisible Girl), and Jamie Bell (The Thing) lead this comic adaptation about the superhero team that gained powers after an accident in space. -
Relativity
"Masterminds" - August 7
Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudekis and Zach Galifianakis star in this heist comedy about a real 1997 armored car robbery in North Carolina -
Warner Bros
"The Man From U.N.C.L.E." - August 14
Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer play an American and Russian agent forced to team up to stop an evil organization trying to steal nuclear weapons. The film is based on the 1964 TV series of the same name. -
Universal
"Straight Outta Compton" - August 14
O'Shea Jackson Jr., the son of Ice Cube, plays his father in this look at the impact of the revolutionary gangster rap group NWA. -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Hitman: Agent 47" - August 28
Rupert Friend stars in this video game adaptation about a genetically engineered assassin who teams up with a mysterious young woman to bring down an evil corporation.
1 of 43TheWrap Summer Movie Preview 2015: “Mission: Impossible 5,” “Entourage,” “Mad Max: Fury Road” also among season’s big releases
-
There wasn’t any Tyrannosaurus or Indominus Rex on the red carport at the Dolby Theatre, but there were plenty of stars
"Also: "'Jurassic
Getty Images Bryce Dallas Howard, who plays a theme park executive in Universal's prehistoric epic, was as dramatic as a T-Rex in a floor-length navy backless gown and deep red lips. Co-star Vincent D'Onofrio didn't have any velociraptors to train at the premiere, but he did have a pack of reporters to face. Also in attendance at the glamorous event were Sofia Vergara with Joe Manganiello, director Colin Trevorrow, actress Angie Harmon, Greer Grammer and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn."Also: "'Jurassic
Getty Images A world away from Margaritaville, singer Jimmy Buffett gave the premiere some island-themed entertainment when he performed at the post-party. Set 22 years after the events of "Jurassic Park" (which was released in 1993), Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor's interest, which backfires horribly. "Jurassic World" was directed by Trevorrow, who co-wrote the screenplay with Derek Connolly. Steven Spielberg, who directed the original 1993 film, serves as executive producer."Also: "'Jurassic
Getty Images42 Summer Movies on Our Radar: From 'Avengers,' 'Jurassic World' to 'Magic Mike XXL' (Photos)
-
-
Marvel/Disney
"Avengers: Age of Ultron" - May 1
The elite superhero team -- including Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans -- assembles again in this follow up to the 2012 blockbuster. -
Alchemy
"Welcome to Me" - May 1
Kristen Wiig stars in this indie drama about a woman with borderline personality disorder who buys herself a cable access talk show after winning the lottery. Will Ferrell and Adam McKay produced. -
IFC
"The D-Train" - May 8
Jack Black plays the head of his high school reunion committee who must convince the most popular guy in his class (James Marsden) to attend the reunion in this Sundance pic. -
Roadside Attractions
"Maggie" - May 8
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in this indie as a father who stays with his daughter (Abigail Breslin) as she transforms into a zombie. -
Warner Bros
"Hot Pursuit" - May 8
Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara star in this buddy comedy about a straight-laced cop (Witherspoon) tasked with escorting a witness (Vergara) to her trial -
Relativity
"The Connection" - May 15
Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin stars in this French crime thriller as a real-life policeman who dedicates his career to taking down a drug lord (Gilles Lellouche) -
Warner Bros.
"Mad Max: Fury Road" - May 15
Tom Hardy takes over the role that made Mel Gibson an international star in this reboot from the madcap mind of George Miller -
Universal
"Pitch Perfect 2" - May 15
Anna Kendrick returns for the song-filled sequel to the 2012 musical smash hit. -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Poltergeist" - May 22
Sam Rockwell leads a remake of the 1982 horror classic that was originally written by Steven Spielberg. -
Disney
"Tomorrowland" - May 22
George Clooney and Britt Robertson star in a sci-fi fantasy about a man and woman who must discover the secrets of a strange land lost in time and space. -
Columbia Pictures/Twentieth Century Fox
"Aloha" - May 29
Cameron Crowe directs Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone in a romantic comedy about a military contractor overseeing a satellite launch in Hawaii. -
Warner Bros.
"San Andreas" - May 29
Dwayne Johnson stars in a disaster movie about a chopper pilot who must rescue his daughter (Alexandra Daddario) after a massive earthquake strikes California.
-
HBO/Warner Bros.
"Entourage" - June 5
Vince (Adrian Grenier) drives Ari (Jeremy Piven) up the wall when he decides to direct and star in his own movie in the big screen version of the HBO show. -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Spy" - June 5
Melissa McCarthy co-wrote and stars in a comedy about a CIA analyst who gets her chance to work in the field when an arms dealer (Rose Byrne) threatens to destabilize the world. -
Blumhouse
"Insidious Chapter 3" - June 5
In this horror prequel, psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) agrees to help teenager (Stefanie Scott) who is being targeted by a supernatural force. -
Legendary Pictures
"Jurassic World" - June 12
Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas-Howard lead the latest installment in the Michael Crichton-inspired series. This time around, the park is terrorized by a genetically-engineered dinosaur that escapes its enclosure. -
Fox Searchlight
"Me and Earl and The Dying Girl" - June 12
This 2015 Sundance Grand Jury winner follows an anti-social teen (Thomas Mann) who falls in love with a classmate (Olivia Cooke) who has leukemia. -
Open Road Films
"Dope" - June 19
This Sundance breakout centers on a teen (Shameik Moore) trying to make his Ivy League dreams come true in his tough LA neighborhood. -
Disney/Pixar
"Inside Out" - June 19
Pixar takes us inside the mind of a little girl as her emotions vie for control. Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader all lend their voices. -
Universal Pictures
"Ted 2" - June 26
Seth MacFarlane's foul-mouthed teddy bear returns in the sequel that finds Ted (voiced by MacFarlane) and John (Mark Wahlberg) fighting in court to prove that Ted is human. -
Warner Bros
"Batkid Begins" June 26
This feel-good documentary tells the story of a five-year-old leukemia patient who inspired people from all over the world to help him live out his dream of being Batman for a day. -
Warner Bros
"Max" - June 26
A Marine-trained German shepherd is sent to live with the family of his former handler (Robbie Amell), who was killed in Afghanistan -
EuropaCorp
"Big Game" - June 26
A teenage-boy (Onni Tommila) rescues the President of the United States (Samuel L. Jackson) when Air Force One crash lands near his campsite. -
Warner Bros.
"Magic Mike XXL" - July 1
Channing Tatum gyrates his way into this sequel as stripper "Magic" Mike who decides to attend an annual stripper conference in Myrtle Beach. -
Paramount
"Terminator: Genisys" - July 1
Arnold Schwarzenegger is back as the unstoppable android as he fights to protect Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) with the help of Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney). -
Universal Pictures
"Minions" - July 2
The Minions are back in this "Despicable Me" spinoff. This time, they are recruited by a super-villainess (Sandra Bullock) in her plot to take over the world. -
Relativity
"The Bronze" - July 10
"Big Bang Theory" star Melissa Rauch co-wrote and stars in this comedy about a former Olympic athlete clinging to her last shreds of fame. -
Focus Features
"Self/Less" - July 10
Ryan Reynolds stars in this thriller about a wealthy, dying man who pays to have his consciousness transferred into a younger body. When he begins to investigate where the body came from, he discovers a terrifying mystery -
Marvel/Disney
"Ant-Man" - July 17
Paul Rudd leads this Marvel comic adaptation about a con man who is given a device that can shrink him in scale by Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). -
Universal Pictures
"Trainwreck" - July 17
Amy Schumer and Bill Hader star in a Judd Apatow comedy about a magazine writer (Schumer) who refuses to commit, until her relationship with a doctor (Hader) challenges her notions of monogamy. -
IFC
"Stanford Prison Experiment" - July 17
Based on the infamous 1971 psychological experiment, 24 male students volunteer to play prisoners or guards in a mock-prison, only for things to spiral completely out of control. -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Paper Towns" - July 24
Based on the novel by John Green, Nat Wolff plays a boy who convinces his friends to embark on a road trip to find the missing girl next door (Cara Delevingne). -
Columbia Pictures
"Pixels" - July 24
Adam Sandler leads a team of gamers (Kevin James, Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage) who must fight aliens that invade Earth in the form of classic video games. -
The Weinstein Company
"Southpaw" - July 24
Jake Gyllenhaal packed on the muscle for this drama about a troubled boxer fighting to regain custody of his daughter. Antoine Fuqua directed based on a script by Kurt Sutter. -
Sony Classics
"Irrational Man" - July 24
Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone star in a Woody Allen film about a college philosophy professor (Phoenix) who enters into a relationship with his student (Stone). -
Paramount
"Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" - July 31
Tom Cruise once again does the impossible as he leads his team against an international syndicate intent on destroying the Impossible Mission Force. -
A24
"End of the Tour" - July 31
Jesse Eisenberg stars as Rolling Stone journalist David Lipsky as he conducts a series of interviews with author David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel). The film is based on Lipsky's book, "Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself." -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Fantastic Four" - August 7
Miles Teller (Mr. Fantastic), Michael B. Jordan (Human Torch), Kate Mara (Invisible Girl), and Jamie Bell (The Thing) lead this comic adaptation about the superhero team that gained powers after an accident in space. -
Relativity
"Masterminds" - August 7
Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudekis and Zach Galifianakis star in this heist comedy about a real 1997 armored car robbery in North Carolina -
Warner Bros
"The Man From U.N.C.L.E." - August 14
Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer play an American and Russian agent forced to team up to stop an evil organization trying to steal nuclear weapons. The film is based on the 1964 TV series of the same name. -
Universal
"Straight Outta Compton" - August 14
O'Shea Jackson Jr., the son of Ice Cube, plays his father in this look at the impact of the revolutionary gangster rap group NWA. -
Twentieth Century Fox
"Hitman: Agent 47" - August 28
Rupert Friend stars in this video game adaptation about a genetically engineered assassin who teams up with a mysterious young woman to bring down an evil corporation.
TheWrap Summer Movie Preview 2015: “Mission: Impossible 5,” “Entourage,” “Mad Max: Fury Road” also among season’s big releases
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