Are You Ready for Jurassic World?

Jurassic-World

Jurassic World is set to take the planet by storm this summer, as the highly anticipated third sequel to the beloved cult classic was released on June 12, 2015.

Originally famous for its then- revolutionary dinosaur DNA plot (gleaned from the Michael Crichton book of the same name) and its state of the art visual effects, the first three Jurassic Park films captured the imagination of a generation of movie goers. It has since become a culture juggernaut, inspiring breakfast cereals, amusement park thrill rides, countless online memes and compelling many a little one to dream of a career in paleontology.

Those adoring fans who were small children when the original two films were released are now in their 20s and 30s, with many now having their own offspring that they cannot wait to introduce to these realistic dinosaur giants. Audiences and film critics alike are excited for the next chapter in the Jurassic World saga, with stars such as Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio and Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt at the helm of this installment of the mega blockbuster.

Featuring a plot that sees the Isla Nublar island amusement park struggling to attract the visitors it so easily enticed to Jurassic Park 22 years earlier, the Indominus Rex is a new hybrid dinosaur introduced to the park – and whose presence quickly goes wrong.

As an ominous voice over in the recent trailer narrates, “She’s a highly intelligent animal. She’ll kill anything that moves.” This foreboding narration is enough to make any audience member shudder with anticipation, and gives a clear clue as to what is about to happen in this film – this dinosaur is hunting for sport, not just for the food.

The director, Colin Trevorrow, had this to say about the somewhat controversial (at least in the blogosphere) decision to use the idea of a genetically modified dinosaur: “There is no shortage of awesome dinosaurs. We could have populated the entire story with new species that haven’t been in any of these movies. But this new creation is what gave me a reason to tell another Jurassic Park story.”

And another Jurassic Park story it shall be, with eager viewers lining up with glee in order to have a peek at the latest in what is one of the world’s most enduring and beloved movie franchises. Many questions are lingering in the minds of the super fans: does Chris Pratt’s character, the so-called “Raptor handler,” have a bond with the seemingly untamable velociraptors, vicious dinosaurs who appear to cooperate with him in an early trailer? Does the Indominus Rex have a backstory, or appear covered in feathers (as many 21st-century scientists now assert that dinosaurs would have been)? And how will potential sequel subject matter be introduced in this film?

Audiences all over the world are excited to see how this new Jurassic World plot plays out  – not to mention excited to see the latest in special effects and digital visual technologies come across on the big screen. For more on the film and to find viewings near you, visit the Cineworld website.

Image credit.

 

This post was written in partnership with *Cineworld*

 

 

5 Film Sets That You Can Go Explore

If you love films and travel, you might want to combine the two on a pilgrimage to the sets of your favourite movies. Here are our top 5 film sets that you can go and explore.

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  1. Jurassic Park – Kualoa Ranch, Oahu

Originally set to be filmed in Costa Rica, Steven Spielberg’s 1993 mega blockbuster Jurassic Park was relocated to the craggy, prehistoric landscape of Oahu, Hawaii. Standing in for the mythical Isla Nublar, Kualoa Ranch is arguably one of the stars of the film, as it sets the mood and tone for this ‘science gone too far’ escapade. Visitors to Kualoa today can take guided ATV tours of the vast acreage, also used as a filming location for Lost and Godzilla.

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  1. Harry Potter – Warner Brother Studios, Leavesden

A perennial favourite of kids of all ages, the 8 Harry Potter films were all shot in and around London and Oxford. A specialised team of designers, visual effects experts and artists built the elaborate sets—and you can visit them to this day! Take a wand waving class, get up close to prosthetics and costumes actually used during filming, and of course – visit the unbelievable shop at the end. If you want to catch a glimpse of filming locations around the city, head to the Millennium Footbridge, King’s Cross Station (home to the iconic Platform 9 ¾) and Leadenhall Market.

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  1. The Grand Budapest Hotel- Görlitzer Warenhaus Department Store, Görlitz, Germany 

Fans of Wes Anderson’s quirky alternate universe often cite The Grand Budapest Hotel as their favourite of his films. Nominated for 9 Oscars in 2014, this visually arresting movie was shot primarily in a department store, not a hotel. While the hotel’s façade was a model (a technique that Anderson often employs), the interior shots were all filmed in this handsome art nouveau department store, built in 1913 and located 60 miles from Dresden. Open daily, you can treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy while you walk through the halls of cinematic history.

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  1. Ghostbusters, Tribeca Firehouse, New York City

This 1984 classic is beloved by generations of fans who grew up watching the films, television series, cartoons and playing with Slimer action figures – and that is why so many fans flock to the Tribeca Firehouse at 14 North Moore Street in New York City. Now valued at over $16 million due to its newly trendy location, the newest reboot of the film due next year may not be able to afford to hire the space!

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  1. Friday the 13th, NoBeBoSco campground, Blairstown, New Jersey

If you love scary slasher flicks and you want to pay homage to Jason at the fictional Camp Crystal Lake, you will have to get the permission of an organisation so wholesome that it is the antithesis of Friday the 13th: The Boy Scouts of America! ‘Camp Crystal Lake’ is actually set on the NoBeBoSco campground in New Jersey, and during the off season they will occasionally grant permission to film buffs who want to wander through the original cabins.

These filming locations are iconic, interesting and affordable (or even free) to visit. Do you have any others you would like to see added to this list? Leave your suggestions in the comment section below!