Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Reboot is fun but scarier, more violent than the original.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Where to Watch
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Jurassic World
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 94 parent reviews
Parents say that the film is filled with intense action and jump scares, showcasing more gore and violence than the original series, making it potentially unsuitable for younger kids; however, many enjoyed it and believe older children can handle the thrill if they are well-prepared. Overall, it offers a blend of excitement and suspense that attracts a wider audience, though parents are advised to assess their child's maturity before viewing.
- jump scares
- graphic violence
- intense action
- suitable for older kids
- parental discretion advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 272 kid reviews
What's the Story?
At the start of JURASSIC WORLD, a mom (Judy Greer) sends her two sons—teen Zach (Nick Robinson) and tween Gray (Ty Simpkins)—to visit their Aunt Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard), an executive at a dinosaur theme park. As the boys enjoy their VIP experience, Claire deals with an escalating set of emergencies surrounding the park's newest "asset," a huge hybrid dino dubbed Indominus Rex. Park owner Masrani (Irrfan Khan) asks Claire to bring in security consultant/velociraptor wrangler Owen (Chris Pratt) to inspect the Indominus, and things suddenly spiral out of control when the angry, isolated beast breaks loose and wreaks havoc, killing every dinosaur and person in its way. Owen and Claire must team up to rescue her nephews and take down the Indominus as quickly as possible.
Is It Any Good?
This may not meet the expectations set by Steven Spielberg's original, but it does surpass the underwhelming sequels that came before. And Jurassic World has enough visual thrills, humor, and memorable performances to make for a fun (if occasionally terrifying) franchise reboot. Director Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed) smartly doesn't try to mimic Spielberg, but he does stay true to the veteran director's ability to make moments of suspense even more terrifying than the actual people-eating. Pratt plays Owen like Star Lord mixed with a Navy SEAL—funny, clever, and courageous. His chemistry with Howard's Claire is breezy and full of banter.
This is definitely a big-budget blockbuster: It's loud, thrilling, and full of intense sequences that will make viewers jump—or possibly cower, depending on their age. Indominus is a mean, scary killing machine, and the devastation she leaves in her wake makes the original movie's death toll look tame by comparison. The boys are both accomplished young actors, and they realistically portray kids who are alternately impulsive, courageous, and frightened out of their minds. It's not groundbreaking in the same way Jurassic Park was, but if you're looking for heart-quickening fun, Jurassic World delivers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the amount of violence in Jurassic World. How much is seen, and how much is implied? Do you think movies have become more violent over the years? What might be the impact of that on viewers, particularly kids and teens?
How does Jurassic World compare to the other films in the Jurassic Park franchise? Do you think it's a good franchise reboot? How does it compare to other franchise sequels or reboots you have seen? Which ones seem to work well, and why?
What do you think the film is saying about science and nature? How do you feel about scientists bringing back extinct animals? How does that differ from creating new species by splicing together genes? Do you think humans should have the power to do that? What are the ethical considerations?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 12, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : October 20, 2015
- Cast : Chris Pratt , Judy Greer , Bryce Dallas Howard
- Director : Colin Trevorrow
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 124 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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