Jurassic World: Every Bit as Good as I Hoped (No Spoilers)

I saw Jurassic World this morning.  It was amazing.

It has been a while since I’ve seen a movie that has every little detail so clearly thought out, from product placement to story and character development.

And then there are the dinosaurs.

Without spoiling anything, here are my initial thoughts:

• Jurassic World feels perfect.  After so many years, it’s the perfect movie coming at the perfect time.  It’s clear that the writers and producers wanted to be certain that they had a great story instead of bowing to pressure to get a fourth movie made.
• Jurassic World is the tale of a theme park in transition, competing with the demands of fickle and ever-hungry guests who are always looking for more, bigger and better.  Even the park’s layout is reminiscent of Disneyland, with an entryway mall (Main Street) leading to the main building (the Castle) and the T-Rex paddock off to the left (Adventureland)
• It isn’t preachy.  Yes, there are messages in the movie, and they’re important and timely.  But you don’t feel like the message is being jammed down your throat.
• It’s a great movie.  You’re hooked from the first moment, and the action never stops.
• Chris Pratt owns his role.  He was so good that I’d love a Jurassic World prequel, featuring the story of how he came to the park in the first place.
• It’s very much a dinosaur movie.  This time, the dinosaurs are main characters

If you haven’t seen Jurassic World, you’re in for a treat.  I’m eager to hear what you think about it!

It’s #CapalDay for Doctor Who Fans

Peter Capaldi is making his debut today as the 12th Doctor.  This Scottish actor has been a lifelong Doctor Who fan, which makes me even more excited to see him take on the iconic role.  Here is an actor who, like Chris Pratt and Star Lord and Tom Hiddleston and Loki, has embraced the role and the fans that come with it. 

In the teasers he asks Companion Clara a question: “Am I a good man?”  It will be fun to see his self exploration this season.

My only fear is that showrunner Stephen Moffat will louse things up with storylines that are overly convoluted or repetitive. We have seen Madame Vastra and Jenny and Straxx a lot in past seasons. Perhaps it’s time to venture away from Victorian England and return to random planets and one-off adventures.

However, that’s just my opinion.

At any rate, I am thrilled to see Peter Capaldi take on this role. I already get chills thinking about it.

Happy #CapalDay!