Latest news with #Velociraptor
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' rumbles, but doesn't quite roar
SO, the dinosaurs are back. Again. And if you're anything like me, your inner child (or just the part of you that still secretly wishes for a pet Velociraptor) probably did a little happy dance when 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' first splashed across the screens. Directed by the visually astute Gareth Edwards, whose previous works have always promised a cinematic spectacle, this latest entry into the prehistoric monster mash aimed to, well, re-birth the magic. Did it succeed? Sort of, if you squint and have a generous imagination. Let's get straight to it: the good news is, if you're heading to the cinema for one thing and one thing only – big, stomping, toothy dinosaurs – then 'Rebirth' delivers on the CGI front. Edwards has a knack for making these ancient beasts look genuinely menacing and awe-inspiring, especially when they're caught in tense, shadowy close-ups or tearing through the jungle. The visual feast is undeniable, and on a giant screen, the sheer scale of it all is, frankly, thrilling. There's a particular sequence involving a rather unamused T-Rex and a makeshift raft that had me clutching my popcorn. Pure, unadulterated Jurassic fun for a few glorious minutes. But – and you knew there was a "but", didn't you? – beyond the visual razzle-dazzle, 'Rebirth' feels less like a fresh start and more like a gentle, albeit well-intended, re-tread. The storyline, unfortunately, is as thin as a single strand of ancient mosquito DNA. We've got new characters – a rather charming Scarlett Johansson and a surprisingly enthusiastic Jonathan Bailey as the paleontologist Dr Loomis (who, bless him, tries his best to inject some much-needed life into the proceedings) – embarking on a mission to, wait for it, collect dinosaur DNA. For a heart disease cure. Yes, you read that right. While it's a novel enough premise, it often feels like a rather flimsy excuse to get our protagonists into ever-increasing peril. One of the biggest gripes was the pacing. The film starts off at a leisurely, almost plodding, pace. A significant chunk of the first act is spent on a boat, and while I appreciate a good build-up, this felt more like a gentle cruise than a tension-filled expedition. Then, just as you start to wonder if anyone will ever get eaten, the film suddenly slams on the accelerator in the final act, rushing through what could have been genuinely thrilling set pieces. And the new dinosaurs? The much-hyped "mutated" D-Rex and Mutadons, while visually impressive, felt a tad generic. They roar, they chase, they look scary – but they lack the distinct personality and terrifying ingenuity of the franchise's earlier, more iconic monsters. It's hard to feel genuine dread when the villainous creatures feel like, well, just another CGI monster. So, is 'Jurassic World Rebirth' worth making a trip to the cinema? If you're a die-hard fan desperate for a dinosaur fix on the biggest screen possible, and you're willing to overlook a familiar plot and some uneven pacing, then yes, the visual spectacle alone might justify the excursion. But if you're hoping for a genuinely fresh, innovative, or deeply engaging chapter in the Jurassic saga, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more roar and a little less whimper. It's entertaining enough for a popcorn flick, but don't expect a rebirth of the franchise's golden age. This movie would certainly appeal more to kids than to older mammals out to scratch their cinematic itch. NOW SHOWING JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH STARRING Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, Audrina Miranda, Philippine Velge, Bechir Sylvain, Ed Skrein DURATION: 134 mins CLASSIFICATION: 13
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Jurassic Lanark: Adventure and thrills millions of years in the making
The centrepiece, the Monster Trail, winds through the town centre and Castlebank Park, where explorers come face-to-face with ferocious carnivores such as Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus and Velociraptor, as well as the gentle giants Triceratops and Brachiosaurus. Younger adventurers can also tackle the Mini Trail, a bite-sized route past town shop windows hiding dinosaur clues. Participants completing the trails earn the coveted Jurassic Lanark Badge, marking them a certified dinosaur hunter. They can also enter a Prize Draw to win a Bumper Dino Bundle packed with goodies by returning their completed map when collecting their badges at the town's Tolbooth. 'This is the fifth Jurassic Lanark event and each has been timed perfectly for the school summer holidays,' says Discover Lanark Manager Antonia Pompa. 'We wanted to offer a fun trail where we can create scenes in some of the smaller spaces around our local streets. There is something quite magical about seeing dinosaurs so out of context – you certainly don't expect to see them in the town centre. 'The second part of our Monster Trail is in Castlebank Park where you might expect to find activities such as this. It's a lovely park with a picnic area, Fairy Dell and play area, and certainly adds a lot to the event.' Participants can pick up their free trail map at the Tolbooth Lanark (ML11 7EX), open daily from 10am to 5pm. Volunteers are on hand to offer helpful tips and route advice. Digital trail maps are also available for download, allowing adventurers to plan their expedition in advance. Each Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 3pm, Castlebank Park is the place for youngsters to meet baby dinos Trixie and Tom and have their photo taken with Roary the mascot. Storytelling and games are all part of the free activity programme. 'There is something about dinosaurs that fascinates children,' says Antonia. 'They are so knowledgeable about them at a young age and I'm astounded by youngsters who can name all the dinosaurs. Let's be honest: they're not names that trip off the tongue. 'Children really get something out of finding out more. The timing of the Jurassic World Rebirth movie is just good luck but it's nice to have it out there. There are also the BBC programmes so people are really interested in dinosaurs and learning more about them.' Antonia notes the physical reality of Lanark's dinosaurs takes them beyond the screen for youngsters. 'Children are really excited by them. Sometimes they're really surprised by the animatronic ones – they don't expect to be growled at but it's also the sheer size of the models that bring them to life.' Last year no fewer than 6,500 trail maps were handed out and this year the event looks to be just as popular. 'It's a slightly weather dependent event because the majority of it is outdoors and it's more enjoyable to stop and look at things and read the information on the signs when the weather is good,' says Antonia. 'But there are plenty of dinosaur hunters who have arrived with their wet weather gear. There are often dinosaurs on the children's clothes and that's just brilliant to see. They really do enter into the spirit of it.' As Lanark is a Business Improvement District, it's hoped the event will also encourage visitors to discover more of what the town has to offer. 'This is a free event but we hope people will pop into our cafés and shops and make some purchases,' says Antonia. 'Some of the businesses, particularly the charity shops, save up all their dinosaur goodies and pop them out on display – it's really nice to see people going in and coming out with little mementos of their day.' So, whether you're a budding palaeontologist or just up for summer fun with a big difference, pack your explorer hat and grab a trail map before Lanark's dinosaurs find you first! Click here for more details
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Free Pair of Wristbands to M&D's Scotland's Theme Park worth £51.50
We've teamed up with M&D's Scotland's Theme Park to give every reader two FREE wristbands. Take up this offer and you will enjoy a fun family day out. That's not all - you can step back in time with a Jurassic adventure into the world of dinosaurs. Featuring a host of life-like dinosaurs including a Velociraptor and its adorable babies, the Theme Park will host free family interactive daily shows plus you will have the chance to meet the prehistoric mammals. From now until 10 August 2025 the exclusive 'How to Train Your Velociraptor' free show will take place daily at 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 5pm. Step into a world where prehistoric creatures come to life and YOU become the Ranger in charge at 2pm! READ MORE: Total Wipeout style inflatable course arrives at North East pool and it's not just for kids READ MORE: Famous Newcastle shop to shut down after decades as new 'super' store gets opening date Located next to Strathclyde Country Park, M&D's is one of Scotland's top visitor attractions. How to Claim Pick up a copy of the Chronicle or Journal from Monday, July 14 until Sunday, July 20 inside you'll find a voucher to bring with you to M&D's Scotland's Theme Park! The Theme Park features thrill rides and family rides, as well as a host of activities, for all age groups. Special features include Amazonia, an indoor tropical rainforest with exotic animals and plants, Devil's Island Adventure Golf, Cosmic Bowl, a ten-pin bowling alley, and Krazy Congo Soft Play. There are also many food outlets to enjoy, from snacks to restaurant meals, including the award winning American themed diner Monterey Jack's. Car parking and entry into the Theme Park is free. Further information is available from Terms and conditions: 1. The voucher is for two free 'ride all day' wristbands only on the following dates: 4th - 10th August 2025. The offer is valid only for the dates specified. 2. This offer is running on Chronicle Live only. 3 To enter the promotion you will need to fill in your name and email address. Please check your junk email for your code to use at the theme park, you must move your email to your inbox immediately to avoid deletion of your email which is automatically deleted from your junk/spam email after 30 days. 4. All entrants are limited to one pair of tickets per customer. You cannot enter more than once. A valid email address is required to enter the promotion and to redeem the event tickets. 5. The price of one 'ride all day' wristband is £25.75. 6. This offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. 7. Height restrictions apply. 8. Wristband does not include coin operated prize winning games, specialist rides and attractions. 9. Original copies only no photocopies will be accepted. 10. Normal Theme Park Terms & Conditions apply visit for further details. 11. There is the option to subscribe to newsletters, this is not mandatory and where you do not subscribe, your information will only be used for entry into the promotion and the event and will not be used for marketing purposes. 12. The offer is as stated and does not include travel, expenses or parking and you must make your own travel arrangements. There is no cash alternative to this offer, tickets are not for resale. 13. Once redeemed, the all-day wristband cannot be exchanged for alternative events or dates. All wristbands are not valid for resale, leasing or lending and there will be no cash back alternative. 14. Your data privacy is very important to us. The data you provide upon requesting tickets (full name and email) will only be shared with M&Ds Scotland's Theme Park in order to complete your booking. Standard Reach privacy policy applies. For more information click here.
Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Jurassic World Rebirth: 7 hidden callbacks to the 1993 Jurassic Park you might've missed
Jurassic World Rebirth, the seventh installment in the dino-loving universe that just hit theatres, marks a new chapter for the franchise with new island and new faces. While writer David Koepp tried to tone down the callbacks, director Gareth Edwards went all in, slipping in throwback clues, familiar lines, and even reworking scenes to fit the new setup starring Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey. Rebirth tips its hat to various chapters of the franchise, but there are a few blink-and-you-miss-it nods to the classic 1993 Jurassic Park. In the original Jurassic Park, there's that unforgettable scene of the T-Rex chasing the jeep, with Laura Dern's Ellie Sattler, Jeff Goldblum's Ian Malcolm, and Bob Peck's Robert Muldoon scrambling to escape. Rebirth replays that moment with a twist, Rupert Friend's Martin Krebs gets the same 'objects in mirror are closer than they appear' shot in his car's side mirror. Edwards admitted he wanted to reuse the gag. Even though the scene didn't make the final cut, he snuck in the mirror close-up during the last New York shoot just to bring that hit of nostalgia. He told EW: 'I just said to the person who provides the vehicles, 'Is there any way you could just get the 'objects appear closer' on the wing mirror?'' Dr. Alan Grant, played by Sam Neill in the original trilogy, gets a nod during a convo between Zora and Henry. Jonathan Bailey's character mentions he studied under Grant. The director added subtle details props to back it up. Henry's bag has a patch from the Snakewater dig site (same one from Jurassic Park's opening), and there's a digging tool clipped to his belt, just like the one Grant used. 'It was as if it was a national park badge of that dig site, as if [Henry] had worked there as a kid,' Edwards said. Also read: Jurassic World Rebirth worldwide box office collection hits $100 million in two days; highest franchise opener yet in India In the original Jurassic Park, there is an iconic opening scene where Robert Muldoon and his crew try to transfer a Velociraptor into its pen. That's when the raptor attacks the handler and drags him inside the cage, the start that sets the tone of the entire film. Rebirth recreated the same energy but with a twist. The prologue, that goes back 17 years before the main story, shows how a candy wrapper causes malfunction at an InGen lab. The mistake, though tiny, gives D-Rex its chance to break free. Another brilliant Easter egg was the chemistry between Bailey and Johansson, it had the same energy Alan and Ellie shared in the first film. The relationship never turns romantic, and maybe that's exactly the point. Throughout the film, there's tension, the will-they-won't-they tease, but in the end, the story seems to follow Spielberg's move from back then. He'd actually shot a scene where Ellie and Alan kiss at a dig site, but edited it out later, probably thinking, when dinosaurs are out to kill you, who's got time to flirt? Also read: Jurassic World Rebirth movie review: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey film keeps heart both pounding and beating Remember when Alan and Ellie saw their first Brachiosaurus, they looked at in awe, with John Williams theme song playing in the background to capture the essence. Rebirth recreates that same scene only this time with giant Titanosaurs mid-mating and with the same music. In one of the scenes, Isabella wears a T-shirt with a pelican on it. It's a direct tribute to the ending of Jurassic Park, where Alan and the kids watch pelicans flying off. The shirt even reads 'Life finds a way' in Spanish. Rebirth also gives that iconic ending a twist, this time, replacing pelicans with dolphins. The film ends with the survivors looking out from a boat, watching dolphins jump peacefully, signaling a return to normal life. Towards the end, Mutadons, the hybrids of raptors and Pteranodons, arrive to carry the legacy of raptors. Their attack scene plays out like a modern-day remix of the original raptor kitchen scene. But this time, it's not visitor center but an abandoned convenience store. There's even a chase sequence through underground tunnels, just like the air ducts from back in the day.
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Dinosaurs return this summer at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park
Featuring life-like dinosaurs including the star of the show, a Velociraptor along with its adorable babies, the free shows will run daily from Saturday, June 28, and run until Sunday, August 10. Visitors to M&D's Scotland's Theme Park are in for a roaring time this summer as the family favourite destination is to host free daily dinosaur shows. Featuring life-like dinosaurs including the star of the show, a Velociraptor along with its adorable babies, the free shows will run daily from Saturday, June 28, and run until Sunday, August 10. To make it easier for Lanarkshire residents, the popular local attraction has also arranged for a local bus service to run for the summer duration. The 247 First Bus Service will pick up and drop off at various points including Hamilton Bus Station, Motherwell and Bellshill. Time-table details are available at The 'How to Train Your Velociraptor' show will take place daily at 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 5pm with special appearances also throughout the day. Visitors can also join the Ranger Academy, an interactive adventure where families work together on tracking, observation and safety missions. At 2pm there will be Ranger Training where participants can learn what it takes to survive amongst the dinos. M&D's director Jensen Taylor Connelly said: 'Summer is all about great days out and we have action packed activities for all the family. 'As well as our free dinosaur shows, we have lots to keep visitors, no matter their age, entertained from our crazy outdoor golf to our indoor bowling, as well as lots of new food outlets.' The dinosaur activities are free. On July 6, 13, 20 and 27 as well as August 3, there will also be a special Breakfast with the Dinosaurs event at Krazy Congo Soft Play, priced at £15.95 plus booking fee. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
