Jurassic Park III MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -1/2

Paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) vowed he would never leave the safety of academia and return to the Caribbean island near Costa Rica inhabited by modern-day, genetically-engineered dinosaurs. But when a wealthy, adventure-seeking couple offers him enough money to fund his archeological digs for years, he reluctantly agrees. Upon arriving, Dr. Grant quickly realizes Paul and Amanda Kirby (William H. Macy, Ta Leoni) are neither wealthy nor vacationing, but trying to find their lost son who was stranded on the island weeks before. Their rescue mission becomes a fight for survival as dinosaurs still rule the island. And some of the predators support Dr. Grants theory of raptor intelligence. Moviegoers expecting the twists and turns of the original Crichton novel or the movie magic of Spielbergs direction may be disappointed with this sequel which is the first to have neither. But those who want action-packed, summer fun with plenty of high-tech, special effects wizardry and panoramic cinematography will find it in JURASSIC PARK III.

As with both predecessors, the main concern in JURASSIC PARK III is whether the violence may be too severe for some younger teens and most children. Numerous scenes of dinosaur attacks and creatures suddenly appearing raise the scare-factor, which is what this film is all about. Men are shown being snatched up by dinosaur jaws and talons, but in most cases their demise is implied and not overly graphic or bloody. One charred and decaying body appears suddenly, causing viewers to jump. Objectionable language is mild, with the exception of a few milder regular profanities which, unfortunately, have become all too common in today’s usage. With the emphasis on action, sexual content and nudity are virtually non-existent and there is a refreshing absence of obscenities. Although portrayed as a broken family, the Kirbys still show love and concern for each other. Parents should particularly heed the film's tension and violence level, which could frighten younger children, along with a few milder profanities. JURASSIC PARK III has enough questionable elements to warrant careful consideration.

Preview Reviewer: John Barber
Distributor: Universal pictures, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City , CA 91608