Jurassic Park III (2001)

Jurassic Park III starts with a lock on what we have come to expect and enjoy of the franchise: a scenic view of Isla Sorna, the swelling theme music, and not one but two ill-advised turned ill-fated turned fatal forays into the island's interior. The all-in double-ante on the threat board is a bigger, badder "spinosaurus" (that can snap the neck then body-slam a full-grown T-Rex), a clutch of swooping pterodactyls, and the ever-present velociraptors. After telling an audience that is seeking sensationalism more than science that "No force on earth could get me back on that island," Sam O'Neill finds that fate, or just a really bad SNAFU, didn't get the memo. In no time, the trained mercenary defense team is decimated and Sam is forced to lead William H. Macy, Tea Leoni, their son, and his assistant to survive long enough to be rescued. While Laura Dern remains his good friend and colleague, her husband and 3-year-old son hold her attention now -- though she has promised to help in any way when called. 4 stars. (5-21-2010, posted 3-16-2016)