Is it actually possible for a film franchise that set the bar with Special FX to actually regress to the point of embarrassment? Yup. This is only the second time I have watched Jurassic Park III, the first time since I bought the DVD sight unseen the day it was released. I really didn't care for it then and my views of it now is still pretty much the same. It's not a horrible movie, but it's nowhere near the level of Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park II: The Lost World . There is absolutely no WOW moments to be found anywhere in the 3rd installment and I blame it on a couple of things.

The first is that the Special FX through most of the film looks half-baked and under-cooked. There were a couple of shots that looked really bad. Rush job to get out to the theaters on its release perhaps? Probably. The second thing that sinks this one is Sam Neill. There is absolutely no need for his character to even be in the movie. He is hired to be a "tour guide", but he doesn't do anything substantial once on the Island. Hell, the little kid knew more about the layout of the land and how to track and survive for 2 months on his own. Also, he goes back to the Island for money, but doesn't have a problem calling out Hammond from the first two movies a 'Capitalist'. Hell, he even slams Billy for trying to make a quick buck by stealing the Raptor eggs. How does that make any sense? The third thing that just rubbed me the wrong way were the parents. I like William H. Macy in most of his films, but in this one he was totally miscast and just felt odd that he was even in the film. Out of place. Téa Leoni. I have never liked her in anything she has been in. After this one, the streak continues.

I think the Producers knew that the story was lacking and the only way they could guarantee that it sold well during opening weekend was to bring back Sam Neill and Laura Dern to reel in those that worship the first film. That's my theory. Whether that is a fact, I don't know. In the end it didn't make the movie any better.

I'd say this is a Rent if you have nothing better to watch. It doesn't add anything new to the series, so you're not missing out on anything if you choose to bypass it all together.

Yea, a rent... Maybe.

The 2nd & 3rd are the reason my hopes are not high for 4.

To me, they not only need to bring the game, but make it different. Not just cash in.

After all these years, it's not important. Just bring a good story. It doesn't even have to follow or proceed the first 3.