Threequels are not famous for their originality or even quality but with Jurassic Park 3, the creators have managed to produce an ideal summer blockbuster: light-weight plot, engaging characters (despite their shallowness) and plenty of action. While it's doubtful that it's going to be anyone's favourite in the series, it should please fans of both previous films.
The wonder element from the first film is still there as we see herds of 'nice' dinosaurs but given that it's all been done before, director Joe Johnston wisely gives us more of the humans versus dangerous dinosaurs scenarios that made the Lost World so much fun.
The script could have so easily descended into humourless cliches, but there is a pleasant tongue-in-cheek sense of fun present the whole time which is significantly aided by such a strong cast.
The one main advantage the film has over the first two is a likeable child character. This kid is not just there to scream - he's survived on the island for 8 weeks, knows his stuff and is generally more composed than his parents.
The main problem with the film was the ending. It finished just when I was expecting one more climactic dinosaur encounter. To top it off, someone turns up alive who clearly should be dead, which had the distinct smell of test screening re-shoot about it.
Aside from these two quibbles, the film was exactly what I'd hoped for - a rollercoaster ride which is immensely fun while it's happening, but leaves little impression afterwards.
The wonder element from the first film is still there as we see herds of 'nice' dinosaurs but given that it's all been done before, director Joe Johnston wisely gives us more of the humans versus dangerous dinosaurs scenarios that made the Lost World so much fun.
The script could have so easily descended into humourless cliches, but there is a pleasant tongue-in-cheek sense of fun present the whole time which is significantly aided by such a strong cast.
The one main advantage the film has over the first two is a likeable child character. This kid is not just there to scream - he's survived on the island for 8 weeks, knows his stuff and is generally more composed than his parents.
The main problem with the film was the ending. It finished just when I was expecting one more climactic dinosaur encounter. To top it off, someone turns up alive who clearly should be dead, which had the distinct smell of test screening re-shoot about it.
Aside from these two quibbles, the film was exactly what I'd hoped for - a rollercoaster ride which is immensely fun while it's happening, but leaves little impression afterwards.