Jurassic Park IV script finalized
Filed under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Scripts
Most people, the kind who don't mind the occasional big
budget popcorn flick anyway, had good things to say about Jurassic
Park when it came out in 1993. The sequels, however, didn't impress quite as much. I can agree that The Lost World took the franchise to puzzling levels of
goofiness, but I think the series redeemed itself somewhat with the third installment. It wasn't perfect, and the
raptors by that point conveniently switched from intelligent to dimwitted as arbitrarily as Homer Simpson, but at least
some elements of realism were brought back and the kitsch of the previous episode was tastefully discarded.
The lesson, perhaps, is that you can never go back. Michael Crichton is an intelligent man, but he's far too left-brained to write a truly compelling story. This made Jurassic Park the perfect vehicle for Spielberg, as he could take the best elements of Crichton's tale of science vs. nature and flesh it out into the mega blockbuster it became.
So what of Jurassic Park IV? Producer Frank Marshall says the script has been written and production will begin next year. Nothing is really known about the script, though it's been rumored the story will focus heavily on the character of Lex, the granddaughter of the billionaire investor, John Hammond (Sir Richard Attenborough), who funded the park. It is doubtful, however, that Ariana Richards, who played Lex in the original movie, will reprise her role. I don't see how the series can duplicate the original movie at this point, and I don't think it should try to. Jurassic Park III was a step away from The Lost World, and it was a wise step to take. If the fourth installment continues on that path, so much the better.
Is Taylor Lautner Our Next Superhero?
100 Greatest Films Beyond the Canon
'Entourage' Movie in the Works?
Spielberg Backs Out of 'Harvey'
Discuss: Should Gay Actors Stay in the Closet?
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-23-2006 @ 10:47AM
JT said...
The first JP was a curiosity, because it relied heavily on CGI. More than 10 years later, it's common practice, and they'd better come up with a decent script to avoid bombing at the Box Office.
Reply
2-23-2006 @ 10:58AM
Elrond Hobbert said...
Just out of curiosity. Was that last sentence- "so much the better," said in a Khan voice?
Reply
2-23-2006 @ 11:40AM
Peter said...
The Lost World was a steep downstep from Jurassic Park, yes, but how can you even begin to posit that III was a step in the right direction?
Jurassic Park III is a completely hapless film with dull characters, dull story and dull thrills. Not to even bring up the worthless deus ex machina of an ending to it (not that JP didn't have a little god behind its ending, but it was at least established prior to the unveiling)...
Jurassic Park wasn't the blockbuster it was because Spielberg miraculously managed to coax some hidden, entertaining quality out of Crichton's novel. Crichton's novel is, in terms of scope, exponentially more of a blockbuster than the film could have hoped to be.
Also, re: Crichton's ability to create a compelling story, what Michael Crichton are you talking about here? Surely it can't be the same man who spawned E.R., as well as over a dozen other generationally iconic films. Try reading his non-fiction sometime...
Reply
2-23-2006 @ 12:04PM
R said...
I agree with Peter, Michael Crichton's style of writing is great.
Reply
2-23-2006 @ 12:32PM
Finished.Law.School said...
They should having a 4 or IV in the title. I am sure it will help.
Reply
2-23-2006 @ 12:49PM
Mike said...
Are we talking about the same Jurassic Park III? This is the one with the dinosaur that swallowed the cell-phone right? And you could tell it was coming when you heard the phone ring? How on earth could you say that film is a step in the right direction?
Reply
2-23-2006 @ 6:00PM
The Jeremy said...
Is Crichton's writings on the so-called "global warming" to be considered fiction or non-fiction?
I'd rather ask who is the more suited to direct *JP IV*....Brett Ratner or Uwe Boll?
My money is on the Boll Man.
"Fructus Per Mediocritem" indeed, but at least he clawed his way there on his own, unlike the other party whose mother placed a call that led to his riches.
http://www.huzzahgoods.com/Uwe.html
ps. You can download and have a laugh at the interview of the Boll Man care of *Attack of the Show* through the video podcasts on iTunes for free.
Reply