‘Jurassic Park’ still holds up all these years later
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There are a handful of movies that are considered cinematic classics. Ones that have solidified themselves in pop culture, with references left and right in current media no matter how long ago they first premiered.
And when it comes to those movies... sometimes I'm a little behind. That's the case with 1993's "Jurassic Park" directed by household name Stephen Spieldburg.
Now before anyone jumps me too much with "how could you have gone this long without seeing it?" or "what kind of movie fan are you?" let me explain: I have seen bits and pieces of this movie growing up. My mom and siblings sometimes had it on TNT growing up or some other random channel. So I, of course, know the basic premise. And because of this, I pretty much saw the movie... just not entirely in order whatsoever and over the span of many years.
My anecdote aside, not long ago I saw it was available on Hulu and figured it was about time I buckled down and watched it all the way through.
It's not really surprising that I loved it as much as I did. For those who don't know the basic story, "Jurassic Park" is based on a novel of the same name and is set on the fictional island of Isla Nublar near Costa Rica.
Wealthy businessman John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) and a team of genetic scientists have brought dinosaurs back to life for a wildlife park.
Following the death of a handler by a velociraptor, Hammond invites chaotician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) and paleontologist Alan Grant (Sam Neil) and Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) to review the park and its safety measures.
Safety certainly isn't the name of the game for this movie, as a power disruption leads to the larger-than-life dinos to be set loose within the park -- creating quite the danger for the few people on the island.
The thing I loved about this movie, and much of Spielburg's work, has to do with his tendency to lean into practical effects. I've said it before in these movies and I'll say it again, it really does make a difference. Movies can age so much better, and keep realism whenever they're used. And that's the case with "Jurassic Park."
Overall the use of animatronic dinosaurs wherever possible really sells this movie and its dangers as the group is chased through thick jungles and trying to dodge terrifying creatures from days gone by.
The story itself is also interesting. The concept of pulling the DNA of any extinct animal to bring them back is fascinating and also terrifying. You can look up the resurgence of the dire wolf as a real-life example of this movie's premise. (Without the blood and gore though.)
However, it also feels like a cautionary tale as well. Perhaps sometimes we need to let certain extinct species be -- dinosaurs being at the top of that list.
"Jurassic Park" was, not shockingly, a huge hit garnering an estimated 80 million ticket sales in the U.S. alone. By the end of its theatrical run it had grossed $357 million in both the United States and Canada.
The movie would go on to inspire multiple sequels -- including a renewal in the 2010s called "Jurassic World" -- along with video games and graphic novels.
Overall, it's understandable why this movie is considered a staple in the film world. It's special effects, easy to follow storyline filled with pulse pounding moments and life and death situations, really makes it a great weekend watch.
If you haven't seen it yet, I would recommend giving it a try, especially if you're into thrillers.
"Jurassic Park" is rated PG-13 and may be watched on Amazon Prime, Hulu, Google Play and Apple TV.
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Laura Jameson is Managing Editor of The Express.