Jurassic Park III (2001, PG-13)

The first Jurassic Park left me sufficiently satisfied, remaining to me as a great piece of thrilling entertainment.  The second installment, the Lost World: Jurassic Park didn't so leave me as thrilled, but I was well entertained nevertheless.  In Jurassic Park III, the completely unneccessary third installment, the franchise has been vastly shrunk down into a quick theme park ride.

Jurassic Park III can't seem to serve any more as simple, light fare entertainment.  The special effects in creating the dinosaurs remain extremely great, but we've seen too many dinosaurs over the course of three movies, so none of them appear especially that threatening.

After the whopping success of the first Jurassic Park, Joe Johnston asked director Steven Spielberg if he could direct the sequel.  While Spielberg replied with that he would like to direct the sequel, Johnston was more then welcome to direct the third installment.  Unfortunately for Johnston, there was no need for a third installment, but the go ahead was given anyway.

As a summer popcorn thrill ride, Jurassic Park III offers only as far as it could go.  The first two films, and very especially the first one, will leave an awe-inspiring effect on you like what you've never felt before.  Jurassic Park III, on the other hand, will make you feel like you've just been driven around through a familiar theme park ride.

                                ** ½ /5