Jurassic Park (1993) is a Thrilling Movie Theater Experience

You’re joking when you say we’re returning to prehistoric times, right?

Jurassic Park was released to theaters in 1993. Based on the fictional novel written by Michael Crichton, an eccentric billionaire John Hammond invites a team of paleontologists and a chaotician to Jurassic Park where he has genetically resurrected dinosaurs. It’s an island of unbelievable dreams until they end up in endless nightmares.

In my first written review of Jurassic Park, I wished to go back in time to witness the first screening of Jurassic Park in theaters. While I didn’t travel back to 1993, I saw Jurassic Park on the big screen for the first time in 3D. Even though I have seen Jurassic Park hundreds of times, nothing equates to this mesmerizing experience of witnessing it on the big screen.

You’d think that it was my first time seeing this film based on how giddy I was when exiting the theater. My heart was racing from how excited I was. I was grinning throughout the entire film, sitting forward in my seat, and even feeling tears when the credits rolled.

The entire cast of Jurassic Park is phenomenal, including a diverse range of characters. In my latest viewing, I was given a new perspective on the characters. Dr. Allan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler, played respectively by Sam Neill and Laura Dern, are iconic in their roles. Passionate for their work, both are strung in positions they never expected.

While Ellie fights for her own will against male power, Grant’s skepticism and eventual transformation into a protector of the children in his care make him an endearing character.

Jeff Goldblum’s hilarious one-liners as Dr. Ian Malcolm never get old. The late Richard Attenborough’s charismatic performance as John Hammond is brilliant. The one actor who deserves praise is Wayne Knight as Dennis Nedry. This is how you make a small role stand out. Knight is compelling in this role, running around and adding his own quirks to this character.

I have always had mixed opinions about Lex and Tim (Arianna Richards and Joseph Mazzello), commenting on how they’re not developed enough and get in the way, I take that back. They are more than just typical movie kids in distress. They are intelligent and resourceful, adding a layer of relatability for younger viewers.

Of course, the true stars of Jurassic Park are the dinosaurs themselves. The groundbreaking visual effects, for the dinosaur animatronics are so real that you’d believe filmmakers actually brought back dinosaurs. Films need to take a break from the excessive use of CGI nowadays and experiment more with animatronics.

One of the standout sequences of cinematic history is the T. rex attack during a thunderstorm. Steven Spielberg conducted a heart-pounding, white-knuckle experience that had my entire theater on the edge of their seats, despite many in the audience has seen it before.

Sound is one of the most important parts of Jurassic Park. I tell you, when the T-Rex roared, I felt shivers on my spine. John William’s unforgettable score poured through my heartstrings. The tension and excitement are palpable as these prehistoric giants come to life.

Jurassic Park remains a testament to Spielberg's directorial genius and the enduring appeal of dinosaurs. It's a film that not only holds up after thirty years but continues to captivate and inspire new generations of viewers. There were even a few kids present seeing the film for the first time. They were in awe.

This is why movie theaters exist. To experience movies together, reimagine, and evolve. Any chance that you get do not ignore an opportunity to experience Jurassic Park in theaters. I am never going to forget this. The movie theater setting for Jurassic Park is worth it.