The Lost World: Jurassic Park – Bigger, Darker, Wilder

🦖 Introduction

🦕 This review is part of the Jurassic Park Movie Series Guide – explore all 6 dino adventures in order!

The Lost World: Jurassic Park is the ambitious 1997 follow-up to Spielberg’s genre-defining masterpiece. With a bigger cast, more dinosaurs, and a darker tone, the sequel aims to build on the success of the first film while raising the stakes.

While it doesn’t capture the same magic or sense of wonder, it delivers thrills in abundance – especially for those who love their dinosaurs wild and unleashed.

🧬 Story & Characters

Set on Isla Sorna, a second island where InGen bred the dinosaurs before relocating them to the original park, the story follows Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) as he returns reluctantly to rescue his girlfriend, Sarah Harding (Julianne Moore). She’s embedded on the island as part of a research team documenting the creatures in their “natural” state.

But their mission is quickly complicated by a corporate team trying to capture the dinosaurs for a new theme park in San Diego. Chaos ensues – of course – and soon the humans are caught in a battle for survival against raptors, compys, and a pair of angry T-Rexes.

While the plot is less tight than the original, it offers some strong moments of tension. Goldblum’s sardonic wit and weary charm provide much of the film’s personality. Julianne Moore is competent and capable, though her character lacks the development of Ellie Sattler. Pete Postlethwaite shines as the hardened big-game hunter Roland Tembo, offering a surprisingly grounded performance.

🎥 Visuals, Sound & Action

Where The Lost World excels is in scale. Everything is larger: the herds of gallimimus, the sprawling jungle sets, the multi-tiered trailers hanging off cliffs. The action is relentless and frequently impressive.

The standout sequence is the infamous double T-Rex attack on the mobile lab, culminating in a literal cliffhanger that remains one of the most thrilling set-pieces in the franchise.

Spielberg leans into horror elements more than in the first film. The cinematography is darker, shadows longer, and the nighttime scenes far more menacing. There’s also a chaotic raptor chase through tall grass that’s both beautifully shot and viscerally terrifying.

John Williams returns with a moodier, more militaristic score. It lacks the sweeping majesty of the original theme but fits the tone of the film well – more danger, less awe.

👨‍👧‍👦 Our Experience & Recommendation

Watching The Lost World as a family was a more intense ride. My daughter, who enjoyed the wonder and excitement of the first film, found this sequel scarier and more stressful – particularly the raptor attacks and San Diego finale.

From a dad’s perspective, this is definitely a film for older kids. While not gruesome, the darker tone and faster pace may be too much for younger viewers. But for kids who love dinosaurs and can handle suspense, it’s an action-packed adventure that holds up well.

It also sparks good conversations: about ecosystems, animal behavior, and how corporations treat nature as a commodity.

📌 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions