In a franchise known for its groundbreaking visuals and epic narratives,Jurassic Park IIIoften gets overshadowed by the series' first entry. Debuting during a time when audiences were still captivated bythe originalJurassic Parkand (to a far lesser extent) its sequel,The Lost World, this film did not garner the same critical acclaim. However, it offers a unique charm that has captivated viewers like me for over 20 years.
While many dismiss it as a lesser entry, I maintain thatJurassic Park IIIis not only the most entertaining film in the franchise but also the most rewatchable. With its straightforward plot, engaging character dynamics, and thrilling action sequences,Jurassic Park IIIstands out as a delightful escape, proving that sometimes simplicity reigns supreme in the world of filmmaking. While it is far from perfect,Jurassic Park IIIoffers a streamlined viewing experience that has only improved with age – especially in light of thesubsequentJurassic Worldmovies.
Why Jurassic Park III Stands Out as the Franchise’s Most Entertaining Entry
The Talking Dinosaur On The Plane Is Only Partly Responsible
While it’s difficult to argue thatJurassic Park IIIis objectively outstanding, there’s an undeniable charm to the movie. It may not be the zenith of cinematic achievement, but it still functions as something quick, comforting, and enjoyable. It doesn’t attempt to compete with the groundbreaking spectacle of the originalJurassic Parkor the overconfident and often uninterestingThe Lost World. Instead,Jurassic Park IIIsettles into a niche all its own,delivering a straightforward, no-nonsense, self-aware dinosaur adventure.
Jurassic Park IIIwas not directed by Stephen Spielberg, who directed the first two movies. It was instead directed by Joe Johnston, the mastermind behind bothCaptain America: The First Avengerand the originalJumanji.
One thing that makesJurassic Park IIIso unique is howit embraces its role as a pure action-horror film. This movie strips down the layers of convoluted plotlines and moral dilemmas that tend to bog down many other installments in the franchise. It doesn’t try or need to have a grandiose message about human hubris, nature’s wrath, or corporate greed like withDominion’sgenetically-modified locusts. Instead, it has simple stakes and a relentless pace from start to finish. It’s a film that knows exactly what it’s trying to be and commits to it without hesitation or fault.
The film also benefits from its emphasis on survival rather than spectacle. Unlike the laterJurassic Worldfilms, which seemed more concerned with creating ever-larger set pieces and absurd genetically modified dinosaurs,Jurassic Park IIIfocuses on the visceral fear of being hunted. There’s no subplot about weaponizing dinosaurs or controlling the future of genetics here. It’s simply about staying alive in an environment that’s determined to kill you. The characters are stripped of their illusions of control, unlike the untouchable Owen fromJurassic World,andthe film’s strength lies in that primal struggle for survival.
Why Jurassic Park III Is the Most Rewatchable Film in the Franchise
It Benefits From A Straightforward Story
While most fans oftheJurassic Parkseriesname the original film as the pinnacle of the franchise and, by default, the most rewatchable, I would argue thatJurassic Park IIIis by far and away the film deserving of that title. It might not have the same groundbreaking special effects or the same sense of wonder as Spielberg’s original, but that’s precisely why it’s so accessible for repeated viewings. It’s a film that you can return to time and again because it is comparatively undemanding while still offering blockbuster entertainment.
Compared to some of the more ponderous, self-important storylines featured in subsequentJurassicinstallments,Jurassic Park IIIfeels engineered to entertain without overburdening its action.
The key to its rewatchability lies in its simplicity. The plot can be summed up in one sentence: A group of people is stranded on Isla Sorna and must escape while being hunted by dinosaurs. Because the action moves at a brisk pace, you’re never far from the next thrilling set piece. Compared to some of the more ponderous, self-important storylines featured in subsequentJurassicinstallments,Jurassic Park IIIfeels engineered to entertain without overburdening its action.
Another reasonJurassic Park IIIis so easy to revisit is its unapologetically fun tone. Unlike the more recentJurassic Worldfilms, which often take themselves a little too seriously despite their over-the-top plots,Jurassic Park IIIembraces its B-movie spirit.It’s a film that knows it’s an obnoxious dinosaur adventure, and it uses that as a vehicle to be as hilarious as it is scary. The characters are fun to watch, and their bizarre backstories and motivations make it all the more fun to see them in near-death situations.
5 Reasons Why Jurassic Park III Isn’t As Bad As People Say It Is (& 5 Reasons It Is)
Let’s look at the best (and worst) qualities of Jurassic Park III to find out whether it really is as bad as people say it is.
Furthermore,the dinosaur action inJurassic Park IIIholds up remarkably well, even after multiple viewings. The film introduced the Spinosaurus as a new apex predator, and while the decision to dethrone T-Rex as the king of dinosaurs was a bold move, it injected fresh tension into the series. The Spinosaurus chase scenes are some of the most thrilling in the franchise, and the film’s tighter focus on survival makes every second feel more immediate and intense. Every time you rewatch it, there’s still a visceral thrill of witnessing how the characters will escape the jaws of this terrifying new foe.
Finally, the film’s shorter runtime works in its favor. Clocking in at just over 90 minutes,Jurassic Park IIIis a lean, tightly-paced adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome. In an age where blockbusters routinely push past the two-hour mark, the film’s brevity makes it easy to pop in for a quick, exciting escape,unlike its bloated predecessorThe Lost World. As a viewer, you’re sucked into the story you’ve had a chance to get bored, and that makes it all the more enticing to revisit.
What Jurassic Park III Does That Recent Sequels Have Failed to Capture
No Uneven Tones, Human Clones, Or Locust Drones
While theJurassic Worldfilms have attempted to reignite the franchise with bigger dinosaurs, bigger explosions, and bigger stakes, there’s something aboutJurassic Park IIIthat those films fail to capture: intimacy. TheJurassic Worldfilms often feel like they’re trying to outdo themselves with each new entry, pushing the spectacle to ever more ridiculous heights. Whether it’s genetically modified super-dinosaurs or theme parks under siege, theJurassic Worldfilms seem intent on delivering the most epic dinosaur experience possible, which is whytheJurassic Worldfilms didn’t always work.
5 Ways Jurassic Park III Has Aged Well (& 5 Ways It Hasn’t)
Jurassic Park III gets a lot of flak, but looking back, a lot of it still stands up to scrutiny today.
WhatJurassic Park IIIdoes so well, by contrast, is focus on the small, personal stakes.This allows for more character-driven moments, something the newer films often sacrifice in favor of spectacle. Take, for example, the relationship between Dr. Grant and the young boy, Eric. This unlikely bond develops naturally over the course of the film, and it’s surprisingly touching. Eric looks up to Dr. Grant as a father figure, and Grant, in turn, sees Eric like the son he’s never had. Their dynamic adds a layer of heart to the film that the more recent entries often lack.
Additionally,Jurassic Park IIIuses its dinosaurs as horror elements like the first twoJurassic Parkmovies, unlike theJurassic Worldfilms.Dinosaurs are far more effective as scary antagonists; if I want scarcely-believable spectacle, I can watch an MCU film or a Bond film. The tension is palpable inJurassic Park III, and there’s a sense of danger that theJurassic Worldfilms fail to capture. Instead of focusing on how massive the dinosaurs are with wide camera shots,Jurassic Park IIIdoes the opposite—it zeroes in on how terrifying it would be to face them up close and personal.
Jurassic World Rebirth,the upcoming fourthJurassic Worldfilm, will allegedly return to being a horror movie.
Jurassic Park IIIrespects the series’ roots. It doesn’t feel the need to reinvent the wheel with flashy new hybrids or elaborate CGI set pieces. It knows that the core appeal of the franchise is simple: dinosaurs are scary, and humans are vulnerable. By keeping things grounded in that fundamental truth,Jurassic Park IIImanages to stand out as the franchise’s most entertaining—and, arguably, most underrated—entry.
