‘Jurassic World Rebirth' First Reactions Range From a ‘Roaring Triumph' to ‘Blah': Is It a ‘Winner' or a ‘String of Forgettable Scenes'?

'Jurassic World Rebirth' has finally been unveiled to members of the film press, and the first reactions on social media appear to be mixed positive on the return of the 32-year-old dinosaur franchise. From 'Rogue One' and 'Godzilla' director Gareth Edwards, 'Rebirth' is headlined by Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali.
''Jurassic Word Rebirth' is a roaring triumph and perfect entry into the franchise,' Variety's Jazz Tangcay wrote on X. 'Loved all the new dinosaurs and boy, are some scary. Get ready to fall in love with Dolores. Loved it and what a beautiful homage to the original.'
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#JurassicWorldRebirth is a roaring triumph and perfect entry into the franchise. Loved all the new dinosaurs and boy, are some scary. Get ready to fall in love with Dolores. Loved it and what a beautiful homage to the original. pic.twitter.com/3j4Octqwe0
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) June 18, 2025
Perri Nemiroff called 'Rebirth' a 'winner' in her reaction, adding: 'Gareth Edwards knew just how to bring a 'Jurassic' story to screen. I adore the practical movie magic of the original film. Over the years, the franchise has embraced more CGI. Rebirth is indeed loaded with effects-heavy set pieces, but those digital elements work especially well here because Edwards knew exactly how to ensure the film still had that reach-out-and-touch-it texture — particularly by choosing to film in real locations and shoot the movie on film.'
#JurassicWorldRebirth is a winner! Gareth Edwards knew just how to bring a Jurassic story to screen. I adore the practical movie magic of the original film. Over the years, the franchise has embraced more CGI. Rebirth is indeed loaded with effects-heavy set pieces, but those… pic.twitter.com/uiVnKvzO73
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) June 19, 2025
But YouTube's 'The Flick Pick' host John Flickinger was more negative on the film, writing that despite 'a solid concept' the movie 'just feels blah.' He added: 'It's a string of forgettable scenes that go nowhere. The characters are dull, there's zero chemistry, and I found myself rooting for the dinosaurs just to feel something. The story plays out like a studio checklist—nothing gets explored, and there's no heart in it.'
#JurassicWorldRebirth had a solid concept—mutated dinosaurs on a new island. I was intrigued. But the movie just feels blah. It's a string of forgettable scenes that go nowhere. One river sequence stood out, but the rest blurs together. The characters are dull, there's zero… pic.twitter.com/sbixVD10Ad
— John Flickinger (@theFLICKpick) June 19, 2025
Set five years after the events of 2022's 'Jurassic World Dominion,' 'Rebirth' centers on a group of mercenaries and scientists who venture to a forbidden island on a mission to retrieve dinosaur blood that could lead to the cure for heart disease. The new installment notable features a script from David Koepp, who penned Steven Spielberg's 'Jurassic Park' (1993) and 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park' (1997).
Johansson said in an interview with Vanity Fair last year that she spent years chasing down a role in the 'Jurassic' franchise, explaining: 'I was really crazy about the [original] film, and I slept in a 'Jurassic Park' pup tent in my bedroom I shared with my sister for a year. Anytime the trades would report a new 'Jurassic' movie, I would forward to my agents like, 'Hey, I'm available.''
'Jurassic World Rebirth' opens in theaters July 2 from Universal Pictures. Check out more first reactions below.
Welp…#JurassicWorldRebirth is a movie. It has that going for it. pic.twitter.com/9fXbxInkeN
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) June 18, 2025
#JurassicWorldRebirth hits every note you'd want a Jurassic film to hit, with engaging characters, a great score, great cinematography direction and incredible VFX work by @ILMVFX . Hats off #GarethEdwards @LeDoctor I already want to see it again. pic.twitter.com/TUFwyiYrHW
— Mark Newbold (@Prefect_Timing) June 20, 2025
#JurassicWorldRebirth throws so much at you as you enter the Dino-riddled seas & lands that the tension sits with you throughout. Although a few too many moments were predictable, and others either cute or cringe, it's a fun time loaded with nostalgia & jumps #JurassicWorld pic.twitter.com/a13X7wOjy5
— Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) June 19, 2025
Hugely impressed by #JurassicWorldRebirth, a film that understands dinosaurs are both incredibly majestic and utterly terrifying. The ensemble is fun, and Dolores is the GOAT (iykyk)
— Barry Levitt (@blevitt93) June 17, 2025
#JurassicWorldRebirth is a fantastic addition to the franchise, delivering everything you want and MORE! From the action to the cinematography, Gareth Edwards knows how to craft a great dinosaur movie. This one captures the spirit of the originals and pulls you right back in. pic.twitter.com/LJ9D1cQMMQ
— Draven (@DravenReacts) June 19, 2025
#JurassicWorldRebirth is everything you want. The plot can be silly but who cares.The film is gorgeous, the dinosaurs are AWESOME, and Jonathan Bailey may be one of my new favorite actors. My heart was racing and there was a moment where I was so happy I wanted to cheer. 🥲 https://t.co/Z3I97ey2J3 pic.twitter.com/1NUbUY5nli
— TheConnorWebb (@TheConnorWeb) June 19, 2025
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