The legacy of “Jurassic Park” is unbeatable, and the newest installation in the series, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” sets out to leave its own mark. 

With the thrills, heart and story of the previous films, “Rebirth” inherits a weighted franchise, and fans were skeptical about whether it would live up to the legacy of the originals. The answer? While it doesn’t reach the narrative depth of its predecessors, “Rebirth” delivers stunning visuals, action-packed anticipation and thrill-seeking adventure that make the “Jurassic Park” franchise.

“Jurassic World Rebirth” is set in a world still grappling with the consequences of cloned dinosaurs. The opening scene takes place in New York City, where a dinosaur sleeping next to the Brooklyn Bridge causes a traffic jam — a moment that suggests humans have acclimated to living with their prehistoric neighbors. In metropolitan areas, it’s clear that humans reign supreme over these animals and that nature is returning to the way it was pre-dinosaur. However, this illusion is quickly shattered when a new cast of characters sets off on a mission to travel to an abandoned island — one now fully reclaimed by dinosaurs. 

This seems like a classic plot for the “Jurassic World” movies. However, while previous films explored the competition between dinosaurs and humans for the title of the world’s apex predator, there is no doubt in “Rebirth” that dinosaurs are the top of the food chain.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its cast members, whose performances bring depth, charisma and emotional weight to the screen. Scarlett Johansson plays Zora Bennett, a skilled covert-ops specialist who’s in it for the money. Her wit and pragmatic take on the team’s situations throughout the film make her character especially enjoyable on-screen. 

Jonathan Bailey plays her opposite: Dr. Henry Loomis, a straight-laced paleontologist whose dream is to see dinosaurs in the wild and use dinosaur research to help the world. Mahershala Ali plays Duncan Kincaid, a long-time friend of Zora’s and a morally gray mercenary with a secret heart of gold.

The supporting cast, including Luna Blaise, David Iacono, Audrina Miranda and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo — who play a shipwrecked family — deliver stellar performances, adding emotional weight and vulnerability to the story.

Just as striking as the cast is the film’s breathtaking CGI, which fully immerses viewers in a world with dinosaurs. The lush forests, open plains and ruined human structures on the island emphasize the idea of dinosaurs reclaiming their kingdom. Every scale, roar and stomp is so realistic that it’s easy to forget you’re watching a movie. 

The visual effects team excels at aligning each scene’s visuals with its emotional tone In one scene — one of the most majestic shots in the movie — the characters look at a herd of Titanosaurus across a vast plain, capturing the awe of seeing an extinct species in its natural habitat for the first time. 

While “Rebirth” stands out, its exposition and storytelling leave something  to be desired. One of the strengths of the “Jurassic World” universe is the fine line it walks between science and ethics. Unfortunately, “Rebirth” doesn’t quite follow through. The plot feels slightly empty. The characters explore what the “right” thing to do with the dinosaur DNA is — sell it for billions or release it as open source. Instead of drawing out moral complexities or forcing characters to imagine the consequences of their choices, the film rushes toward a resolution, making the conflict feel two-dimensional rather than a driving force.

Another aspect is the insufficient development of the classic “final boss” dinosaur. For example, “Jurassic World” (2015) had the Indominus Rex, whose life spent in captivity and camouflage ability made it a terrifying tormentor. “Rebirth” attempts to pay homage with the introduction of a new species called the D-Rex. However, this creature lacks the details of the Indominus Rex, missing both a proper backstory and the clever exposition illustrating the consequences of humans playing God.

“Jurassic World Rebirth” might not be the best film in the franchise, but it still delivers a compelling storyline, captivating visuals and action-packed adventure that define the series. It reminds audiences why we keep coming back to this world time and again.