Jurassic Park III Review: The best film in the franchise
In a franchise known for its groundbreaking visuals and epic narratives, Jurassic Park III often gets overshadowed by the series' first entry. Debuting during a time when audiences were still captivated by the original Jurassic Park and (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. While many dismiss it as a lesser entry, I and (maybe) a few others have maintained that Jurassic Park III is 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 III stands out as a delightful escape, proving that sometimes simplicity reigns supreme in the world of filmmaking.
I won't claim that Jurassic Park III is objectively outstanding, but there's an undeniable charm to it. To borrow and honor a phrase from my all-time favorite film critic, Sean Chandler, this is a "Taco Bell movie"—not the height of cinematic achievement, but something quick, comforting, and enjoyable. It doesn't try to compete with the groundbreaking spectacle of the original Jurassic Park or the overconfident and often uninteresting The Lost World. Instead, Jurassic Park III settles into a niche all its own, delivering a straightforward, no-nonsense, self-aware dinosaur adventure. For me, that's more than enough. Jurassic Park III was not directed by Stephen Spielberg, who directed the first two movies. It was instead directed by Joe Johnston, the mastermind behind both Captain America: The First Avenger and the original Jumanji.
One thing that makes Jurassic Park III so unique is how it 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 with Dominion's genetically-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 later Jurassic World films, which seemed more concerned with creating ever-larger set pieces and absurd genetically modified dinosaurs, Jurassic Park III focuses 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 from Jurassic World, and the film's strength lies in that primal struggle for survival. Typically, I just want to watch a movie where people run from dinosaurs, where my favorite character "dies" from being mauled by pterodactyls, and where I'm jump-scared by a phone in a pile of crud. Needless to say, Jurassic Park III delivers my desires in spades.
This basic approach might seem simplistic to some, but it's precisely what makes Jurassic Park III brilliant. In an era where blockbusters are burdened with endless subplots and ever-escalating stakes, there's something to be said for a film that keeps things straightforward. Sometimes, I just want to watch a movie where people run from dinosaurs, where my favorite character "dies" from being mauled by pterodactyls, and where I'm jump-scared by a phone in a pile of crud. Needless to say, Jurassic Park III delivers my desires in spades.
While most fans of the Jurassic Park series name the original film as the pinnacle of the franchise and, by default, the most rewatchable, I would argue that Jurassic Park III is 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 doesn't demand your full intellectual engagement; just a bowl of popcorn and, occasionally, your day's work quota. Watch the "Jurassic Park III Pitch Meeting" from the man, the myth, the legend himself, Ryan George. It'll be super easy, barely an inconvenience.
Jurassic Park III respects 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 III manages to stand out as the franchise's best entry—and, yes, that includes the original.
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. That's it. Because the action moves at a brisk pace, you're never far from the next thrilling set piece. This makes it the perfect background movie when you're multitasking, an overwhelmingly underrated quality for a movie to have—it's great whether you're doing chores, writing, or playing the best dinosaur-themed video games, you can always look up and enjoy dinosaur action without missing anything important.
Another reason Jurassic Park III is so easy to revisit is its unapologetically fun tone. Unlike the more recent Jurassic World films, which often take themselves a little too seriously despite their over-the-top plots, Jurassic Park III embraces 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 bizarrely bad backstories and motivations make it all the more fun to see them in near-death situations.
Furthermore, the dinosaur action in Jurassic Park III holds up remarkably well, even after multiple viewings. The film introduced the Spinosaurus as a new apex predator, and while the decision to dethrone the 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 that 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 III is 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 predecessor The Lost World. You're in and out before you've had a chance to get bored, and that makes it all the more enticing to come back to—you always know there won't be that one moment that'll bore you half to death like in some of the other films in the franchise.
While the Jurassic World films have attempted to reignite the franchise with bigger dinosaurs, bigger explosions, and bigger stakes, there's something about Jurassic Park III that those films fail to capture: intimacy. The Jurassic World films 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, the Jurassic World films seem intent on delivering the most epic dinosaur experience possible, which is why the Jurassic World films didn't always work.
What Jurassic Park III does 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 III uses its dinosaurs as horror elements like the first two Jurassic Park movies, unlike the Jurassic World films. Dinosaurs are far more effective in horror films; if I want spectacle, I can watch an MCU film or a Bond film. The tension is palpable in Jurassic Park III, and there's a sense of danger that the Jurassic World films fail to capture. Instead of focusing on how massive the dinosaurs are with wide camera shots, Jurassic Park III does the opposite—it zeroes in on how terrifying it would be to face them up close and personal.
The Reel Ranker Verdict
Reel or Unreel? - Reel
The Reel Ranker Score: 76%
Letter Score: A
Star Ranking: 4 out of 5
Jurassic Park III respects 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 III manages to stand out as the franchise's best entry.
Want to see my more "elevated", impersonal version of this article I posted on Screen Rant? Click the link below.
Brighton Nelson
Check out my other Jurassic Park & World reviews below! I will continue to update this as I post more reviews or more films come out!
Brighton Nelson
Brighton Nelson
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