Calling “Jurassic World Rebirth” (Universal) an unnecessary installment in a franchise that should, pardon the expression, go the way of the dinosaurs, might be a bit extreme. Because where else can you see a quick close-up of Jonathan Bailey’s khaki-covered impressive lower region in a mountain climbing harness? Pretty sure we all know which scene will be paused the most when the movie arrives on streaming.
The “Jurassic” juggernaut, launched more than 30 years ago, has seen better days. The reawakening of the title probably has something to do with the absence of Gadsden flag t-shirt-wearing Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard’s limited acting abilities. There’s a whole crew of fresh faces in “Jurassic World Rebirth” beginning with Big Pharma whore Krebs (Rupert Friend) who is looking to recruit people on a mission to a forbidden island where mutant dinos (designer-saurs, if you will), who slaughtered the humans that created them, may hold the key to human cardio health, and by extension a pharma fortune.
Krebs recruits mercenary Zora (Scarlett Johansson), who can be had for a substantial price. Krebs and Zora then make their way to Altoids-munching, museum-based paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Bailey), who’s in a funk. Turns out, dinosaurs have lost their luster with the public (read: kids), and his exhibit is being dismantled and put into storage. He has the knowledge and equipment to get the necessary blood samples from the three different dinosaurs, so he agrees to join them. Finally, Zora enlists fellow daredevil Duncan (Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali of “Moonlight” fame) and three of his crew members.
Traversing the same dangerous body of water is Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), his young daughter Isabella (Audrina Miranda), her teenage sister Teresa (Luna Blaise), and Teresa’s goofy boyfriend Xavier (David Iacono). They survive a terrifying encounter with some aquatic dinosaurs and are then rescued by Duncan and company. But the worst of their nightmare has just begun when they all arrive on the island.
In a familiar Jurassic scenario, the bad guys get it good, a few innocents are sacrificed, and those who’ve earned the right to survive do so. But buried amidst the pile of bodies is a rebellious message of doing the right thing, when Loomis suggests that he and Zora hold onto the blood samples and use them for good (give them away) not evil (profit). It’s a nice touch in an otherwise bombastic, predictable and boring movie. Rating: C-
In the most recent version of “Superman,” I’m not just throwing you a bone when I tell you that Krypto, the CGI version of dog-actor Jolene (the foster-dog of Superman, breathtakingly portrayed by David Corenswet), is the best part of James Gunn’s insanely OTT reboot of the movie from DC Studios (in IMAX no less).
In a movie packed as tightly as Corenswet in his suit and cape, this version of Superman is unexpectedly fragile (physically and emotionally), and surprisingly open about his identities.
When we first see Superman, he’s been beaten to a pulp by the Hammer of Boravia, an indestructible killing machine created by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult, who some may remember from Tom Ford’s “A Single Man”). Lying in the frozen Antarctica terrain, near his palatial, glacial fortress, he manages a weak, but distinctive whistle to summon Krypto, and the faithful and playful pup drags the wounded superhero to safety. Repaired by his robot assistants, Superman listens to the surviving part of the holographic message left by his Kryptonian parents (voices provided by Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan) while he recovers.
In his drag as mild-mannered Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent (Corenswet), he’s involved in a tempestuous romance with fellow reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan, playing the part like Mrs. Maisel with a journalism degree). Unlike previous such relationships, Lane is fully aware of Kent’s alter-ego.
Of course, Superman’s problems are bigger than juggling multiple identities. His interference in the international conflict between Boravia and a neighboring country gets him in trouble with the US government. He’s also dealing with competing superheroes Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (queer actor Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), who provide much of the necessary humor in the movie. But nothing can compare to the devious and determined Luthor.
Luthor’s maniacal and envious personality, as well as his talent for distraction and quest for world domination, recalls Trump and Musk at their worst. Additionally, his disdain for Superman’s alien status is so reminiscent of Trump that you’d think he was a consultant on the script. His seemingly endless array of destructive subordinates, including The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría), who might be the most terrifying of all, as well as the imprisoned Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) and the ultimate secret weapon Ultraman (who shares Superman’s DNA) make the Man of Steel’s life hell on earth. Nevertheless, he prevails, and good triumphs over evil.
Many LGBTQ+ folks will remember Corenswet from his portrayal of River, ex-lover of Payton (Ben Platt) in Ryan Murphy’s “The Politician.” As Clark Kent/Superman, he feels closest in spirit to the universally adored Christopher Reeve, and it’s easy for audiences to connect with him. But did we really need another Superman movie? As far as I’m concerned, DC stands for “Don’t Care.” Rating: C