In the same year that director Steven Spielberg released the intensely personal Schindler’s List, he also released one of the biggest blockbusters of all time in Jurassic Park.

Based on Michael Crichton’s bestselling novel, Jurassic Park tells the story of a group of scientists who are invited to an island off Costa Rica where all hell breaks loose when the islands prehistoric inhabitants escape from their confides.

The movie also focuses on the relationship between Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neil) and Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), especially Grant’s attitude towards having children which is put to the test when he has to endure the pain of sharing his space with the grandchildren of John Hammond (Richard Attenborough), the wealthy entrepreneur who found a way to bring the dinosaurs back to life by using the DNA of an ancient insect which fed on the creatures during the prehistoric age. 

While maintaining some of the main elements from his previous movies (big effects, family values), Jurassic Park is also a good monster movie. While it does not reach the same blood curling heights of Jaws, there are still some terrifically tense scenes.

The effects mix of CGI and animatronics still look good compared to today’s standards, while acting wise everyone involved does what they are supposed to do which is to play support to the various creatures who are the real stars of the film, thanks to the excellent effects team who all received worthy Academy Awards.

Jurassic Park is the type of summer blockbuster that only Spielberg could muster. Backed with a huge budget and with only the best in the business at his disposal, Spielberg continues to make fun adventure movies that appeal to adults and children alike while also bringing to life much serious fair such as The Color Purple and Schindler’s List.