Review of Jurassic Park (1993) by Gregory G — 23 Dec 2018

Based on the best-selling book by Michael Crichton, this Steven Spielberg science-fiction thriller about genetically engineered dinosaurs that run amok in a modern theme park, is enjoyable enough but lacks the awe of "Close Encounters" and the strong characterizations of "Jaws.

" The computer generated special effects by Stan Winston, in creating dinosaurs that seamlessly blend in with the actors, is impressive and was revolutionary for its time. It became the biggest box office hit of all time when it was released, mostly because kids got to see realistic looking dinosaurs.

This is intended as a scare movie mixed with a roller coaster ride but with two kids along for the ride you know the danger is not overly threatening. The message of man's lack of respect for nature is overdone.

Inline with the modern blockbuster, Spielberg seems more interested in commercial self-promotion and merchandising sales. Won Oscars for Best Visual Effects, Sound, Sound Effects Editing. The script is adapted by Chrichton and David Koepp.

Music by John Williams. Cinematography by Dean Cundey. Sam Neill is the paleontologist; Laura Dern is the paleobotanist; Jeff Goldblum is the mathematician; Richard Attenborough is the billionaire owner of the park.

With Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight, B.D. Wong. Followed by "Lost World: Jurassic Park" (1997), "Jurassic Park III" (2001), "Jurassic World" (2015), and "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" (2018).

Selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.