Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny dino backstory has much action, some scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lego Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit
What's the Story?
LEGO JURASSIC WORLD: THE SECRET EXHIBIT explores the backstory to Jurassic World and the initial encounter between animal behaviorist Owen Grady (voiced by Ian Hanlin) and assistant director Claire Dearing (Britt McKillip). The movie opens with Claire frantically working to ensure the park's owner, Simon Masrani (Dhirendra), can unveil his newest exhibit on schedule, but the dinosaurs slated for it are delayed in arriving. When they do get there, a series of unfortunate mishaps leads Claire and the dinosaurs' escort, Owen, on a quest across the island to deliver them safely to the exhibit and ensure that the other creatures are where they belong as well.
Is It Any Good?
This fun special transcends its odd pairing -- the Lego brand and the Jurassic World storyline, even given the discrepancy in target audiences for each. Jurassic World fans who might enjoy this origin story for its place in Claire's and Owen's relationship especially definitely aren't the kids who will most like the Lego humor that makes it a fun watch. And to some degree, the reverse is true: Kids who enjoy this intro to the characters and Jurassic World concept might want more follow-up than the only other Lego production of the same theme, The Indominus Escape.
That said, The Secret Exhibit does a decent job standing on its own merit. The story moves at a brisk pace and involves plenty of action and humor. Few details are overlooked in creating Jurassic World with Lego bricks, so everything from the plant life to the blocky papers that shoot out of a photocopier are reminiscent of their merchandise versions. Of course, this can also be its downfall if marketing in your kids' entertainment is a concern for you.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about programming that's inspired by toys and other products marketed at kids. Do you think Lego Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit is meant to entertain alone, or is its purpose to make you want Lego and Jurassic World merchandise? How well does it succeed on each count?
What character strengths do you notice in Claire? Does the fact that she is a woman in a cast otherwise dominated by men make her stand out in a positive or negative way? How do she and Owen learn to work together effectively? Do you think it's the start of a good relationship?
Even though these characters are computer generated, did anything in this story worry or scare you? Is this show intended for kids or older viewers?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 29, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : January 15, 2019
- Cast : Britt McKillip , Ian Hanlin , Adrian Petriw
- Studio : NBC Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 48 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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