Why Jurassic Park Sequels Are Actually Better Than You Think Compared to Jaws
The Jurassic Park franchise has been a staple of summer blockbusters for decades, but did you know it could have been a lot worse? Comparing it to the Jaws sequels might just change how you see the dinosaur-filled saga.
- How Jurassic Park sequels stack up against Jaws follow-ups
- Differences in reception and legacy between the two franchises
- The evolving audience perspective on Jurassic Park
- Why Jurassic World Rebirth still holds appeal
Jurassic Park vs. Jaws: A Tale of Two Franchises
Every new Jurassic Park movie seems to get mixed reviews, with many fans and critics calling them “out of ideas” or “a shell of its former self.” For example, the latest film, Jurassic World Rebirth, has received a mixed Metacritic score and a “B” CinemaScore from opening night audiences, which is more “meh” than enthusiastic.
Despite this, the franchise continues to rake in big bucks — the previous three Jurassic World movies each made over a billion dollars worldwide. But there’s a generational divide in how these films are perceived. Those born after 1980 often see Jurassic Park as a defining visual-effects masterpiece, while older generations tend to prefer Spielberg’s Jaws, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Original Reception and Changing Opinions
Back in 1993, Jurassic Park’s reviews were positive but not glowing. Critics like Jack Mathews from Newsday described it as “a theme park of a movie,” while Roger Ebert felt it lacked the “sense of awe and wonderment” that Jaws had. Ebert praised Jaws for its strong characters and storytelling, something he found missing in Jurassic Park despite its impressive special effects.
Today, Jurassic Park’s reputation has grown considerably and it’s often ranked alongside Jaws as one of Spielberg’s best. The franchise taps into the excitement of big-budget blockbusters and scientific curiosity, famously summed up by the line: “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I91DJZKRxs
Why Jurassic Park’s Sequels Aren’t All Bad
While the Jurassic movies vary in quality, they offer fun monster-movie thrills for fans who can accept them as modern-day versions of classic Universal Monster flicks. For instance, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom even embraces this vibe by setting its climax in a spooky mansion, reminiscent of old horror films.
Jurassic World Rebirth sticks to a more traditional adventure style and benefits from director Gareth Edwards’ touch. Though it struggles to reach the heights of the original, it remains a visually impressive creature feature with appeal for both kids and adults.
Spielberg’s involvement in earlier sequels like 1997’s The Lost World: Jurassic Park elevated their craftsmanship, especially in action sequences. These films explore different settings, from theme parks to city destruction, expanding the franchise’s scope.
Comparing to the Jaws Sequels
Unlike Jurassic Park, the Jaws sequels never had Spielberg’s guiding hand and are generally considered far inferior to the original. They tend to feel like low-budget slasher movies with less compelling plots and characters. While Jaws 2 set an opening weekend record in 1978, the follow-ups didn’t live up to expectations and are mostly remembered for their taglines rather than quality.
Legacy and Audience Expectations
The Jurassic franchise has kept kids and millennials engaged by regularly releasing new sequels on thousands of screens. The original film’s self-aware nods to commercialization and theme park culture make the series more than just mindless spectacle.
Some see Jurassic World Rebirth’s plot, where audiences are no longer impressed by dinosaurs, as a sign of blockbuster fatigue. However, it could also be viewed as a clever commentary on changing audience tastes in an era overloaded with spectacle.
Jurassic Park arrived at a pivotal moment for visual effects and helped raise expectations for summer blockbusters. It showed that a big-budget thrill ride loved by kids can also be a great movie. While none of the sequels match the original’s craftsmanship, they remain enjoyable monster movies in their own right.
Final Thoughts
The Jurassic Park series, with its ups and downs, offers a richer experience compared to the often forgettable Jaws sequels. For fans of creature features and summer blockbusters, the franchise still delivers fun and excitement — even if it doesn’t always reach the heights of its groundbreaking beginnings.
