Wow.  After two lackluster sequels, the “Jurassic Park” franchise has been re-energized with an installment that is as exciting and inventive as the original. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it is as good, mainly because the film operates as much as as a remake as a sequel.  It’s basically the same story as the first film, with the key differences being that the park is (and has been) open, plus the addition of a new hybrid dinosaur, “Indominus Rex.”

Colin Trevorrow’s film (executive produced by Steven Spielberg, who directed the first two) returns the action to Isla Nublar, where the “Jurassic World” theme park is thrilling children of all ages with closeup views of its real-life dinosaurs.  But profits are down and costs are up, so a new dinosaur has been bred.  Naturally, it gets loose and chaos is the order of the day.  Two brothers are in peril, nephews of the park’s manager (Bryce Dallas Howard), and the only person who has any chance of stopping the rampage is a rugged dino expert (Chris Pratt).  Also present is a security expert (Vincent D’Onofrio) intent on using trained velociraptors to take down the threat so he can make a bundle selling the concept to the military as a battle stratagem.

While this film does not boast the first film’s quality of characterization, its dinosaur footage is as good or better than that of the original.  The premise of havoc occurring while the theme park is operational and crowded is more exciting than having it empty or abandoned.  Having the dinosaurs being able to communicate, rudimentally, not just with each other but with Pratt’s character, is brilliant, especially at the finale. The special effects are generally fantastic, propelling the story forward even as they dazzle the senses.  Certain sequences are simply jaw-dropping.

As good as this film is, it could have been even better.  I would have liked to have seen another ten or twenty minutes dedicated to large-scale panic at the park as the crowd is assailed not only by the flying pteranodons and dimorphodons, but possibly other species as well.  I feel that even the final sequence could also have used other people, all diving for cover.  And I remain somewhat dismayed that the sheer wonder of the place is quickly overshadowed by corporate greed and the ridiculous idea that velociraptors could, or should, be recruited for military purposes.

Michael Crichton’s original premise, of course, was that bringing dinosaurs back to life was a lot more dangerous than scientists expected, because humans believe they can control everything.  InGen’s current CEO (Irrfan Khan) summarizes how wrong that arrogance is when he says “The key to a happy life is to accept you are never in control.”  Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), the chaos theorist from the first two films, would agree wholeheartedly.  Messing with the natural order of things will always bring tragedy.  But it makes for really cool movies.  ☆ ☆ ☆ 1/2.  13 June 2015.