The Lost World: Jurassic Park

Movie Name: The Lost World: Jurassic Park

Year of Release: 1997

Director: Steven Spielberg

Stars: Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Pete Postlethwaite, Arliss Howard, Richard Attenborough, Vince Vaughn, Vanessa Lee Chester, Peter Stormare, Harvey Jason, Richard Schiff, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards, Camilla Belle, Thomas F. Duffy

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
Watch it on Amazon.

Synopsis & Review:

On the heels of one of his most celebrated and successful years (that being 1993), director Steven Spielberg followed "Jurassic Park" with a sequel that was another success. The film focuses on Ian Malcolm, the surviving chaotician from the original film, who finds out there was a second island where dinosaurs were bred before being transported to the main island. There are efforts taking place by Hammond's nephew to bring some of those animals to the mainland, and though initially reluctant to go, Ian finds out his girlfriend Sarah is part of a team already there, which prompts him to go back immediately. As things quickly take a bad turn, and very dangerous dinosaurs are left unchecked in downtown San Diego, it's up to Ian to figure out a way to lure the predators back to the island and save the city and his loved ones.
Steven Spielberg is in all fairness one of the most celebrated directors and film makers of the last 40 years. Throughout the years, his cinematic language has constantly evolved and refined, and between his most epic and action driven films, and his most intimate dramas, there's always a distinct auteuristic touch that clearly distinguishes his films. "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" is an example where the director once again places the family unit under the menace of an outside factor that looms as a factor of eminent destruction. It's always thanks to the integrity and decency of his lead characters, that the lead characters always prevail. "Jurassic Park" always posed the question of the extent of technology manipulation and the relationship with nature (which is something more akin to Michael Crichton's universe) and how this produces less than ethical results. Spielberg has managed to anchor this perspective, with his more humane interests, focusing on characters that are dynamic, flawed and yet ultimately decent. The special effects are fantastic, as is the cast, with Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore and Vince Vaughn adding the extra thrills to a very enthusiastic ride. Worth watching.