The seventh entry in the Jurassic Park saga, Jurassic World: Rebirth, promises a thrilling new chapter where science, adventure, and prehistoric spectacle collide.
Directed by Gareth Edwards and penned by original franchise writer David Koepp, the film aims to revitalize the series for modern audiences without losing sight of its iconic DNA. But does it rise above franchise fatigue, or get lost in the jungle of its own ambitions?
Visuals, Nostalgia, and the Island Spectacle
First and foremost, Jurassic World: Rebirth dazzles on a technical level. The visual effects and immersive cinematography are among the film’s strongest assets, with the sprawling island vistas and dinosaur encounters rendered in painstaking detail.
Whether it’s the thrilling Mosasaurus boat sequence or the T. rex attack on the river, the action set pieces are frequently heart pounding, capturing both the terror and the awe that first defined the series .
Director Gareth Edwards’ experience with large-scale blockbusters is evident. He makes full use of sweeping camera shots and practical effects, keeping the dinosaurs physically imposing and the jungles both beautiful and ominous .
Cinematographer Greig Fraser’s choice to shoot on film instead of digital lends Rebirth a tactile pop, keeping it from the blue-hued banality of many modern blockbusters.
The musical score, though occasionally criticized for lacking the transcendence of John Williams’ compositions, still manages to reignite familiar emotions during key moments.
Nostalgic callbacks abound, from Easter eggs referencing the original park to recreation of famous scenes such as the herd sequence that echoes Dr. Grant’s first dinosaur sighting, this time with Titanosaurs .
Character Journeys and the Franchise Formula
While the visuals impress and moments of tension spark, Rebirth lose some momentum in the storytelling department. The film assembles a large ensemble, including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, and a supporting cast who work hard to inject life into their roles .
However, many characters are painted with broad strokes and feel underdeveloped, lacking the depth needed to create genuine emotional investment.
The narrative structure adheres closely to franchise tradition. The plot follows a team journeying to a long-abandoned InGen research island, tasked with harvesting samples from sea, land, and air dinosaurs to develop a medical breakthrough .
Corporate greed, ethical dilemmas, and the usual chaos ensue as the humans discover the island isn’t merely home to prehistoric giants, but also genetic mutants a twist that both excites and frustrates longtime fans tired of “monster” hybrids .
The character interactions sometimes falter due to a crowded script trying to juggle emotional drama, action, and moral questions. The family subplot, featuring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and his on-screen daughters, sometimes drags and adds little to the overall narrative, detracting from the main adventure .
Jurassic World Rebirth (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Attempts to balance humor with suspense fall flat in early portions, though tension rises and comedic beats hit better in the latter half .
Hybrid Dinos and Franchise Evolution
One of the most discussed aspects of Jurassic World: Rebirth online is its ongoing fascination with gene-spliced dinosaurs. While the original films evoked terror by placing ordinary people among natural predators, Rebirth leans heavily into bioengineered monsters called “Mutadons” and a sinister new “Distortus rex.”
These creations raise the stakes for action scenes but undermine the primal awe of seeing “real” dinosaurs. Critics and fans are increasingly vocal about preferring classic dinosaur action over monster-movie spectacle, signaling a divide between blockbuster ambition and the core appeal of the franchise .
Franchise Nostalgia vs. Innovation
Another trending debate is the film’s reliance on franchise nostalgia. Rebirth pays loving tribute to Spielberg’s original with visual and musical homages enough to delight diehard fans, but too often at the expense of originality. While the callbacks spark joy, they risk making the film feel repetitive.
Many viewers observe that while the spectacle and atmosphere are impressive, Rebirth struggles to justify its existence beyond the comfort of the familiar, raising questions about the creative direction of future sequels .
Divided Audience and Critical Response
Since its release, Rebirth has split critics and fans. Critics cite a lack of narrative innovation, thin character arcs, and diminishing returns for the franchise formula. Some praise it as the best entry since Jurassic Park III, while others see it as proof the series has lost its edge, despite strong visual work .
Audience scores like a 73% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to a 53% critical score reflect the ongoing allure of dinosaur adventure, even when the storytelling is predictable .
Parental and ethical themes have also sparked online discussion, especially as the plot introduces dilemmas around genetic tampering and the future of biotechnology.
Gareth Edwards’ direction keeps the tension high, and several new set pieces particularly the chaotic escape through abandoned tunnels and the island’s climactic finale, deliver blockbuster thrills .
However, the plot retreads old ground, character development feels thin, and the franchise’s reliance on hybrid monsters risks alienating purists. While some fans have called it the best since JP3, others wish for fewer scientific abominations and a stronger story.
Whether Rebirth signals a true resurgence for the series or another round of comfort food filmmaking depends on what viewers seek: more dinosaurs, more destruction, or a story with genuine bite?
For its jaw-dropping set pieces, moments of nostalgia, and the sheer fun of dinosaurs run amok, Jurassic World: Rebirth is worth a trip to the theater; just don’t expect a new evolutionary leap.
The Review
Jurassic World: Rebirth
Review Breakdown
- Action 0
- Visual Effects 0
- Atmosphere & Sound 0
- Overall Impact 0
Disney’s 2025 live-action reimagining of Lilo & Stitch enters the spotlight with weighty expectations. The original 2002 animated film was a breakout hit, known for its quirky humor and deep emotional core centered on the Hawaiian concept of ohana (family). Now, nearly twenty-five years later, the franchise gets a vivid refresh, intending to win over both longtime fans and new audiences .
Where many live-action remakes struggle to justify their existence, this version navigates a delicate line: honouring the source while striving to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Does it succeed? The answer lies in how the film blends three key trends buzzing online: nostalgia, family-centred storytelling, and cultural representation .
Nostalgia, Social Media, and the Power of Fandom
If there’s one word synonymous with Lilo & Stitch’s current resurgence, it’s nostalgia. Millennials who grew up cheering for the dysfunctional Pelekai family are now sharing it with their own children.
This nostalgic undertone drives both box office sales and an explosion of memes, fan art, and discourse across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit . The hashtag #liloandstitch consistently trends, buoyed by fans posting about memories of the original and their experiences with the remake .
This isn’t mere accident. Disney’s marketing campaign was acutely aware of grown-up fans, leveraging references to the original film’s soundtrack (“He Mele No Lilo,” “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride”) and producing a staggering variety of licensed merchandise .
Stitch, the blue alien who treads the line between chaos and charm, is everywhere from plush toys to social media AR filters. The remake capitalised on this, maintaining Stitch’s mischievous spirit and unique design that appeals to all ages.
Numerous movie critics and fan threads online praise the film for not trying to duplicate the 2002 hit scene-for-scene, instead subtly modernizing characters and situations. This strategy keeps the story emotionally honest, fostering a connection that spans generations .
Heart, Humor, and Healing A Story About Family
Beyond the memes lies a deeply emotional story. Lilo & Stitch explores themes of grief, abandonment, and acceptance, set against the colorful backdrop of Hawaiian life.
Here, the live-action adaptation draws particular strength. The narrative centers on Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl processing the tragic loss of her parents, and her complicated relationship with her protective older sister, Nani . Their household is small, sometimes chaotic, but resiliently loving.
Enter Stitch, engineered for destruction but unwittingly searching for connection. Their bond, formed through a shared sense of being outsiders, is the story’s emotional anchor. The film steers clear of fantasy cliches, emphasizing that true magic is found in loving people as they are and witnessing their potential unfold .
Critics note that scenes depicting Lilo’s attempts to fit in and Nani’s desperate efforts to hold their family together pack real emotional weight, mirroring struggles many modern families know well . The live-action performances, especially from Maia Kealoha as Lilo, are widely regarded as sincere and memorable .
Stitch’s arc is equally compelling. Through chaos and laughter, he learns about selflessness, culminating in a moving moment where he risks his life for Lilo.
This willingness to sacrifice, even at personal cost, is a message of unconditional love that resonates far beyond children’s entertainment . It’s these moments humorous and heartrending by turns, that define Lilo & Stitch as more than just a sci-fi comedy.
Cultural Representation and Timeless Appeal
Setting the story in Hawaii isn’t just a scenic choice it grounds the narrative in cultural specificity. The word ohana and Hawaiian customs aren’t window dressing but central to the film’s message: families may be “little and broken,” but they’re also worth fighting for.
The setting and soundtrack offer vibrant, respectful nods to Hawaiian culture, helping the film feel both universally relatable and authentically local .
This cultural core is one reason the franchise continues to appeal across generations and continents. While some reviewers wished for more direct references to the original’s most iconic lines, most praise the movie for retaining the story’s honesty and optimism while gently introducing new ideas .
Even with minor missteps some lines or scenes lost in translation, the spirit of Lilo & Stitch persists: acceptance, empathy, and the joyful messiness of family .
Merchandise sales, continued streaming popularity, and box office achievements all highlight how the franchise’s cross-generational legacy is only deepening. The 2025 remake isn’t just cashing in on old glories; it’s creating new touchpoints for a global audience that increasingly values stories of belonging and hope .
Lilo & Stitch (Credit: Disney)
Lilo & Stitch (2025) is a fresh but faithful retelling of a deeply cherished story. It leans into nostalgia without being trapped by it, updates its characters for the present day, and honors Hawaiian cultural themes of ohana and resilience. Colorful visuals, memorable performances, and a universal message about acceptance match its heartwarming blend of comedy and drama.
Where it stumbles, mostly minor omissions and the unavoidable comparisons to a beloved original, it more than compensates with sincerity and joy. For families, longtime fans, and newcomers alike, this remake is a wholesome, feel-good experience that celebrates the enduring power of family in all its forms .
The Review
Lilo & Stitch
Review Breakdown
- Story 0
- Characters 0
- Animation 0
- Music 0
