[NoHo Arts District, CA] – This month’s movie and TV reviews by Mike Peros are on Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman.
Jurassic World Rebirth brings moviegoers back to a society where rejuvenated (and scientifically tampered with) dinosaurs roam (albeit confined) in a forbidden zone and (in an interesting development in a movie trying to sustain a franchise) public interest has dwindled— understandable, especially since in every sequel, humans die within the chompers of some disgruntled creature. For this reboot, Scarlett Johansson is a capable (if close to burned-out) mercenary who is recruited by pharmaceutical bigwig Rupert Friend to venture into that forbidden zone and extract some biomaterial samples from living dinosaurs that might be conceivably useful for extending human lifespans. Uh-huh.
Assisting her in this possibly life-affirming (and perhaps life-ending) endeavor are a few other mercenaries, most prominently Mahershala Ali as a supportive old friend, as well as an idealistic paleontologist (Jonathan Bailey). While en route, they deviate from their course to rescue the shipwrecked Delgado family (led by patient pater-familia Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), who have run afoul of one of the targeted dinosaurs. Needless to say, the mission doesn’t go as smoothly as planned, and what begins as a hunt for dinosaurs ends up with the mercenaries (and the Delgados) becoming the under-armed prey for some hungry dinosaurs.
A movie like Jurassic Park Rebirth should really have an all-star cast. One knows that several of the participants are not going to make it out alive, and the movie makes it easy to identify these hapless victims, since one also knows the stars are (maybe) kind of safe till the end. And I know you’re supposed to be concerned for the Delgado family, but they’re drawn in such broad and cliched strokes that their travails detract from the main action. Having said all that, the movie has some good chases and clashes, a fewhomages to the original, and some fine work from a nicely ironic Scarlet Johansson and Mahershala Ali (who is never anything but good, even when he’s seemingly there for the paycheck). Just don’t think too hard about what you’re seeing, or you’ll find yourself asking why didn’t these experienced mercenaries bring more powerful weapons with them? (Just in case, the dinosaurs were reluctant to have some DNA removed.)
As always, whenever someone tries to reboot a franchise, I remain profoundly dubious, but in the case of the new Superman, I was pleasantly surprised. As depicted by director/writer James Gunn, and played (with engaging charm and endearing sincerity) by David Corenswet, this Superman is a tremendous amount of fun. The origin story is present and alluded to, but doesn’t take up a lot of time, since Superman/Clark is already established when the film begins. It also remains true to the essence of the conception while adding a few new spins, particularly with the major characters (Superman, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson). For instance, this Superman feels pain and is not wholly invincible; in addition, because of what’s been deciphered in a message from his Krypton parents, he’s no longer sure of who he is. With Lois (deftly played by Rachel Brosnahan), this is one intrepid reporter who doesn’t need rescuing and as for Jimmy, Skyler Gisondo has the boyish charm but is more resourceful (and a ladies’ man) than previous Jimmy iterations.
As for the plot, would it really surprise you that someone is trying to both destroy Superman and take over the world. In this case, it’s Lex Luthor (a very effective Nicholas Hoult), driven by equal parts avarice and envy, backed by super-wealth and political influence, and bolstered by social media (and a team of tech-savvy henchmen and women every bit as venal as he is) In addition, there are aspects of the plot that feel particularly prescient and uncomfortably relatable: multi-billionaire head villain benefiting from arms deals for political gain, a social media-driven society willing to turn on their fellow man on unfounded revelations (and none too happy with alien beings, who are taken into custody and remanded off the grid—sound familiar??). What I particularly liked about this Superman is both the strength and vulnerability of this Superman, the adult relationship between Clark and Lois, the conception (and execution) of the Lex Luthor character, and the inclusion of other DCU heroes (will hold off if you haven’t seen or heard). It all blends seamlessly and proves to be a rousing (and occasionally moving) entertainment.