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JURASSIC PARK UNIVERSE : CLINTON'S COLUMN
Column for : January 10, 2001
'JURASSIC PARK III' : DESTINED TO BE A MONSTER HIT, OR A GIANT DISASTER ?
Welcome to January, everyone ! And welcome to the year 2001. I hope you all had a great Festive season, and are set to make this year your best yet.
Over the Holiday period, solid 'Jurassic Park III' news has been in short supply, so there are no new revelations to comment on. However, I have something to discuss with you all this month. That is, will 'JPIII' follow in the footsteps of it's older brothers and break box-office records ? Or will it be the final blow to shut down the 'Jurassic' franchise for good ?
The first major thing to consider when answering this question is 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park'. The 1997 sequel to the original 'Jurassic Park' was monstrously hyped. Many believed they were going to see a film that was even better than it's record-breaking predecessor. The public had already read Michael Crichton's sequel novel in 1995, and everyone firmly had a certain view of what the 'Lost World' was going to be like on the big screen. When the film was finally released, many left the theatre hugely disappointed. Steven Spielberg went against what the public was anticipating and created a new type of story, totally different to Crichton's version. Critics ravaged the movie, claiming the 'cardboard' characters and 'paper thin' plot were buried under unrelenting special effects. The general public was as negative towards 'Lost World' as the critics. While most people agreed it was full of solid action, it was regarded as a horrendous step downwards regarding quality of storyline and characters. Regardless, the movie was a tremendous success financially, claiming the record for the biggest weekend opening in history. After 'Lost World' came and left, not many people, aside from die-hard JP fans, were all that eager to see Spielberg's dinosaurs grace the silver screen ever again. Thus, when the announcement came of a third 'Jurassic' film, the news was met with mostly disinterest, some movie fans were even openly hostile toward the project. While interest in the movie has significantly grown since more information on it has become available, it may not be enough. 'The Lost World' reduced the popularity of the 'Jurassic Park' franchise and this may prove devastating, even fatal, to the success of 'Jurassic III'.
...or it may not.
Looking at this from the other side, 'Jurassic Park III' has a distinct advantage. While many movie-goers aren't expecting much from 'Park III' (because of 'Lost World'), the third film has a golden opportunity to be a sleeper hit. If 'Jurassic III' is a great film, the greatness will be much more impacting on audiences as many are not expecting it. The 'JPIII' team have an element of suprise, and if they can truly capitalise on this, the success of the movie could be even bigger than if the public were actually expecting it to be great.
The next factor to consider when deciding if 'JPIII' is destined for success or failure is the film's own director, Joe Johnston. While Steven Spielberg is still a major force in the movie, acting as executive producer, the man at the helm is Johnston. This is a crucial piece to the puzzle. Johnston is bringing new blood to the film. He has never been involved in a 'Jurassic' movie before. There are two ways his direction can turn out. Firstly, he might provide something new, inventive and fresh to the film. Rejuvenating the originality and inspiration of the first movie would give Johnston a triumph. However, Johnston's direction may be a huge mess, very un-'Jurassic' like, and he may destroy the franchise beyond repair. The fate of 'Park III' rides on Johnston's shoulders. While Steven Spielberg is there to oversee the film, the big decisions fall to Johnston, and if he can't live up to Spielberg's pacing and style, then he may be doomed to failure.
The third element to consider is: competing films. While 'Jurassic Park III' has no serious competition on it's opening weekend, there will be other films out there that may hurt it's box-office earnings. 'Lord of the Rings' and even Steven Spielberg's own 'A.I.' are among the possible threats to the film. Being as 'Rings' and 'A.I' are new properties, audiences may tend to watch those movies, as they have seen Spielberg's dinosaurs twice before. To keep an upper hand on competing films, 'Jurassic III' needs to contain everything audiences loved about the first movie, whilst also introducing something new.
The only thing that is left to be said is: if it is good, it will sell. You just can't argue with that. If 'Jurassic III' really does deliver the goods, then it will be a success.
To help you make up your own mind on whether our beloved 'Jurassic Park III' will be a hit or a miss, I have provided a list of Negatives and Positives about 'JPIII'. Please remember, these pros and cons are only my opinion. I leave the deciding ultimately up to you.
Negative Points on 'JPIII' :
- Steven Spielberg is not directing the film (let's face it, you can't beat the best in the biz).
- John Williams is not scoring the film (Again, you can't beat the best in the biz).
- The plot of rescuing a boy from Isla Sorna seems very weak and simplistic.
- The film has been racked by numerous production hassles, possibly affecting it's quality.
- Dennis Muren is not officially attached to the film (for the third time, you can't beat the best in the biz).
- Jeff Goldblum is not returning.
- Richard Attenborough is not returning.
Positive points on 'JPIII':
- Steven Spielberg is still attached to the film as executive producer.
- Michael Crichton created the film's characters.
- The composer on the film, Don Davis, was handpicked by John Williams and will use his themes extensively.
- Sam Neill returns to the lead role (admit it, you missed his prescence in 'Lost World').
- Stan Winston returns to create the live action dinosaurs.
- Michael Lantieri returns to create special dinosaur effects.
- The film makers are delivering mega-doses of new dinos (including pteranodons and spinosaurs) to ensure 'JPIII' isn't just a rehash of previous films.
- The film has a solid top-to-bottom cast. Promising young newcomers like Sarah Danielle Madison and Trevor Morgan, join always reliable performers like Taylor Nichols, John Diehl and Alessandro Nivola, to support veterans like William H. Macy, Tea Leoni and Sam Neill.
What do you think ? Let us know in the guestbook of this site. I actually have every confidence 'Jurassic III' will be THE blockbuster event film of this summer.
In other news, 'JPIII' has apparently returned to Hawaii to finish up some shots they didn't get last time.
That just about wraps it up, folks. In about 6 months, 'JPIII' will be upon us. Continue to prosper throughout the year, and I'll see you here next month.
Thanks, folks.
- CLINTON-
Column for : December 23, 2000
THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ON 'JPIII' FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Holiday greetings to Jurassic Park fans worldwide !
I apologise for the lack of consistent column updates this year, but I have just been so busy, you wouldn't believe it. Anyway, I am back now, and hope to post a new column each month.
Well, it's the festive season again, and there are 6 full months to wait until the eagerly anticipated 'Jurassic Park III' roars onto our cinema screens. There is quite a bit of JP related stuff I would like to comment on this month, so let's get started.
Firstly, I just want to say how overjoyed I am that Sam Neill is on board for the next 'Jurassic Park'. Definitely Sam Neill was one of the major reasons the original film reached such great success. He was sorely missed in 'The Lost World', but his return for the third film is a good sign. His experience and tremendous quality as an actor is a great asset to 'JPIII'.
On the subject of actors, I think Tea Leoni is a great choice for the movie. She seems to be a worthy successor to previous JP female leads such as Laura Dern and Julianne Moore. William H. Macy also strikes me as an ingenious casting decision. An often underrated performer, Macy's value to a film cannot be denied, as he was Oscar nominated for his performance in 'Fargo'. This veteran will solidly contribute to an already talented cast.
Personally, I am going to miss Jeff Goldblum in 'JPIII', as he is my favorite Jurassic Park character. However, I do see that since he has already gone to John Hammond's dino islands twice, there really is no believable reason for him to do it all again.
Something which I find absolutely delightful, is the fact that in an official Universal press release on 'Jurassic Park III' they said "characters created by Michael Crichton". This is fabulous news, as Crichton is always able to create unique, clever characters that are fascinating and complex, while at the same time being very relatable to the ordinary person. I am hoping we can look forward to a depth and clarity in character's personalities that will add to the dramatic tension.
The new dinostar of the next 'Jurassic Park, the spinosaurus, should prove incredible to watch. I think this is very promising, because if the film makers are introducing a new main dino to replace the T-rex, it shows inspiration. Unfortunately, with 'The Lost World', it largely re-hashed T-rex and raptor action without really introducing anything new. In 'JPIII', we have a spinosaur and pteranodons. This indicates the film makers are inspired, and are working to give audiences something more than just the same. Although it is nice to know the T-rex and velociraptors will return, however. So we'll get familiar faces, with something new too.
Something else I wish to comment on is the fact that John Williams is too busy to score 'Jurassic Park III'. In my opinion, John is the greatest film music composer ever, and his absence is rather sad indeed. I was very alarmed to hear the reports that James 'Titanic' Horner would be Williams' replacement, as Horner seems more comfortable doing slow, subdued drama themes, ('My Heart Will Go On' anyone ?). Horner just doesn't do much of the brassy, bombastic, awe-inspiring action music that is required for a 'Jurassic' film. I was very relieved to learn that Universal had NOT contracted Horner at all, but had gone off a personal recommendation by John Williams himself and had hired Don Davis (The Matrix) to score the movie. Davis' style is definitely more Williams-esque than Horner. As if that wasn't great enough, Williams made his sketches for the first two 'Jurassic' scores available to Davis, as Davis intends to use Williams' themes extensively. I certainly see some promise here. Admittedly, John's absence is a shame, but Don Davis, with Williams' guidence, shouldn't do too bad a job at all.
I am rather confused about the plot of 'Jurassic Park III'. The alleged storyline is that William H. Macy's son (Trevor Morgan) gets stranded on Isla Sorna due to a parasailing accident. Macy and his wife (Tea Leoni) then gather a team of experts (Sam Neill, Alessandro Nivola), and set off on a rescue mission. Is it just me, or does that storyline seem a little bit too simplistic and contrived, compared to the previous films ? Also, there are the conflicting reports as to whether or not 'Jurassic III' is a prequel or a sequel. While talking to Australia's 'Sydney Morning Herald' newspaper, Sam Neill said "The movie is set after Jurassic Park but before The Lost World". However, on the recent Stan Winston webcast, Winston said that 'JPIII' was sequel. Which is true ? I hope that the 'stranded kid' plot is just the launch point for the storyline, and that it snowballs into something more complex. Anyway, time will tell.
The 'Jurassic Park' and 'Lost World' DVDs are really something, aren't they ? If you haven't checked them out yet, shame on you !
That just about wraps it up for this months' column. I want to wish each and everyone of you a tremendous Christmas and Holiday season. Don't forget to keep checking our 'JPIII' news section for up-dates. Thanks again for your support. It is really appreciated, folks. Well, next year is the big one. 'Jurassic Park III' will finally be here. The coming year will be an exciting one indeed.
Take care, and I'll see you all here next month. Get set for the new year, or as I am calling it - 2001: Year of the dinosaur.
- CLINTON-
Column for : June 14, 2000
JURASSIC PARK FRANCHISE HEATS UP !
Welcome ! Well, it has indeed been a long time since I have done a column. The reason for my absence was that substantial JP news had been in short supply. However, the Jurassic Park scene has recently heated up with some really huge news stories which I will be discussing in this month's column.
First, though, I just want to mention that I have added two new sections to 'Clinton's Lost World of Jurassic Park'. The first is the articles section, which I will post articles from magazines, newspapers, and the internet relating to 'Jurassic Park 3'. There isn't much there now, but more will be added with time. The second section I have added is the Basic facts on the JP films, plus news section. This contains the basic facts like cast, plot, of 'Jurassic Park', 'The Lost World' and 'Jurassic Park 3', plus the latest news on the three films. Hope you like 'em !
I am going to discuss the Variety article which states Steven Spielberg is "on the prowl" for actors to be in JP3. According to the article, casting agents have recieved "breakdowns" on the rough outlines of the characters. The characters are said to include : a 12 year old boy named Miles, the "lead character". Hang on. Just a second. As soon as I read this I thought 'uh-oh'. Now I am not going to go all out on a limb and say that this info is fake, because I am not entirely sure it is. I mean, it seems to be coming from a 'reliable' source. However,for some reason, the name 'Miles' just throws me off balance. It just doesn't seem to sound right. And secondly, the "lead character" ? Unless I am very much mistaken, or unless Spielberg and Johnston have flipped their wigs, there is no way a PG rated thriller film like JP3 is going to have a 12 year old kid named Miles as the "lead character". So, yes, I am very cynical about that article. However, I will not dismiss it entirely as untrue. Perhaps there is a Miles kid somewhere in the film, but I would DEFINATELY say that he will not be the main character. Probably, if it is true, his role will be no bigger than that of Kelly Curtis (Ian Malcolm's adopted daughter) in 'The Lost World'. With things hotting up on the JP3 front, casting must surely be rolling around, but I wouldn't christen that article 100% true just yet.
Next up I will analyse yet another Variety article which gives news from the Licensing Show in New York. According to them "Universal said it will use a trio of creative themes" for the Hasbro-produced JP3 merchandise, including : "Site C, focusing on the film's location on a Costa Rican island". Whoah ! Does this mean that JP3 will indeed be on a third island ? Initially, this sounded very corny to me. First Site A, or Jurassic Park (Isla Nublar), then Site B (Isla Sorna) and now Site C(Isla ?) ? However, on further thought this actually seems very intriguing if it is, indeed, true. There are so many implications. It causes us to ask the question : what further dark secrets to his 'perfect' theme park has John Hammond been hiding? In 'Lost World' he revealed that the difficult, often dirty, job of cloning the dinosaurs was done on Sorna, away from real scrutiny. In 'Jurassic Park 3', could Hammond reveal yet another shocking secret ? Perhaps prior to the original JP disaster he had started creating a second Jurassic Park on Site C, but never finished it...and the dinos are still there ! You can use your own imagination endlessly to try and speculate as to what the story could be about if there really is a Site C. It has made for intriguing gossip, but it's real truth will be known soon enough, I guess.
The last bit of news I want to dicuss is the ground-breaking official press release from Universal stating the October 10 release of 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Lost World' on DVD. I was doing backflips on the computer desk as I read about it ! For me, one of the most exciting things about it is that it will contain the deleted scenes from 'The Lost World' ! At last, we can watch 'Lost World' in it's entirety any time we want ! And also, I am very interested to see the never-before-released 'Making of Lost World' documentary. The bonus features on these DVDs are incredible. It is absolutely astonishing that the DVDs will make use of new DVD-ROM technology and actually allow us to participate in a chat with the cast and crew of 'Jurassic Park 3' ! And also watch a live webcast of the theatrical world premiere of 'JP3'! Keep an eye on shows like 'WWF Smackdown' and 'ER' from October 2, as Universal launch their monster advertising campaign for the DVDs. The other exciting feature of the 'JP/LW' DVDs is that they will contain theatrical trailers of 'Jurassic Park 3' ! This leads to some questions too : It could mean that filming will be concluded in less than 3 months (which is highly unlikely. Commencement of filming has NOT been announced yet). So that means the most likely explanation is that the first JP3 trailer, which will be on the October DVDs, will not contain any footage from the film. It will probably be similar to the very first teaser for 'Lost World', with the T-rex. In any case, this is very exciting news, and I cannot wait till October 10 ! For more on the press release, visit our JP3 news section.
Just a quick nod to ingennet, who have us added to JPNet. We still appreciate it, guys ! Thanks a heap !
That just about wraps it up for now. I am glad that authentic JP news has started coming in again. I was getting worried for a while ! Keep checking back for up-dates, and post your much-valued comments in the guestbook. Thanking you all for your support, it means a lot ! I will do my best to constantly deliver quality news and commentary. The Jurassic Park franchise will soon be once again basking in the spotlight of another monstrous media campaign, there should be some real exciting times ahead.
We'll talk again soon,
Catch you all later !
- CLINTON-
Column for : February 2000
'CLINTON'S LOST WORLD OF JP' JOINS 'JPNET' !
Yes, JP fans, after an initially slow launch, Clinton's Lost World of Jurassic Park web site is ready to move up to the next level. We are now officially a member of a new Jurassic Park 'web ring' named JPnet . My site is now listed there. JPnet is a sub site of the web's largest JP network : IngenNet . You would have seen the JPnet banners spread on our page. I am extremely excited about this, and hope that the association will help our site gain more hits, and aid the growth of Jurassic Park on the Internet.
'Jurassic Park 3' news has been slowly filtering in throughout the past month or so, however most of it is questionable as to it's authenticity.
There is not much to say this month. However, if some ground-breaking JP3 news happens to be released soon I will do another column for February. But for now, there isn't much to discuss.
Once again, I am thrilled at our being accepted into JPnet web ring, and will try my hardest to make our association mutually beneficial. Thanks to Neo and the team at IngenNet for making it possible.
Until next time,
- CLINTON -
Column for : January 2000
SPIELBERG SET TO ZOOM IN ON JP3 ?
Welcome to the new millenium !
You can mark my words, 2000 is going to be one of the best years ever to be a Jurassic Park fan.
If you haven't checked out the latest 'Jurassic Park 3' information in the JP3 info section : do so now, as I will refer to some of it in this month's column.
Well , it is time once again for me to give you my thoughts and opinions on everything happening in the world of Jurassic Park . To begin with, it is apparently hard fact that the first 'Jurassic Park' film is set to grace DVD players sometime this year. No doubt the DVD of JP will include some behind - the - scenes goodies, interviews and the like.
Next, I am sure you are all intrigued by the heading of this month's column. If you have not checked out the latest JP3 news, you may not know that Spielberg is reported to be holding back on 'Minority Report' ( a sci-fi thriller with Tom Cruise ), to do a different film. This news is backed by the fact that FOX studios recently freed up their couple of sound stages which were reserved for 'Minority Report'. The BIG question is, if this is true, WHAT film is Spielberg going to turn to ? It has not been ruled out that Spielberg may very well turn around and direct 'Jurassic Park 3'. And even if not to direct JP3, he could be putting 'Minority' on hiatus to allow more time to guide the third Jurassic adventure through production.
I believe it is quite possible that the delaying of 'Minority Report' could be JP3 related. My main reason for believing so is that in a November interview, Michael Crichton said JP3's screenplay was " being written now ". I think the first draft copy at least would be finished. And this would mean it is time to begin constructing the animals, preparing storyboards, casting etc. In other words, the really heavy production phase. Spielberg would obviously want to be there to oversee the process.
It would indeed be exciting if Steven had, in fact, decided to helm JP3 himself. This is not all that hard to believe. Apparently he was considering directing JP3 back in 1998, but declined due to a very busy schedule with other films. It would not mean the end of Joe Johnston's involvement in the movie, he would probably stay on as a producer. But anyway, all this is only speculation at the moment. However, in the next few weeks Spielberg is said to make a public announcement on exactly what his next film wil be. I, personally, am crossing my fingers for 'Jurassic Park 3'.
As stated in the JP3 articles and info section of this site, Michael Crichton recently stated there was to be no third Jurassic Park novel upon which the movie will be based. I am rather disappointed to hear this. I feel Crichton could do alot with another novel. It seems a shame to end it at two.
I think it is quite clear that 'Jurassic Park 3' is ready to move into high gear ,with many things about to be decided concerning it's next step.
That just about wraps it up for January, folks ! Be sure to place your valued comments in the guestbook . Always check back regularly, because if there is ANY JP3 info released, we will have the best, most detailed coverage of it right here in 'The LOST WORLD of JURASSIC PARK'.
I feel strongly that a really monumental JP3 announcement is about to be made.
Until next month,
- CLINTON -
Column for : December 1999
LAST COLUMN OF THIS MILLENIUM !
Welcome JP fans !
Well, it is almost Christmas again. As we enter the holiday period, one thing on my mind is the lack of 'Jurassic Park 3' information that has come out lately. Apart from an announcement regarding the director, there has been next to nothing. I do apologise for the minimal movement in this site over the past few months, but it has only been because 'Jurassic Park' info has been few and far between.
Having stated that, it stands to reason there is not alot of things to go through in this month's column. I will be doing little up-dates on this site over the holiday period, which will include finishing the 'Cast and Crew Bios' section, and maybe adding a bit more videos and sounds.
Don't expect Universal to release any solid 'JP3' news anytime soon, I feel the film is moving ahead, but only very slowly at this stage.
Also, I highly recommend everyone reads Michael Crichton's latest novel 'Timeline'. It is a great adventure. Lots of fun.
I hope all you fans have a great Christmas, thanks for your support to this site, it means alot ! Keep checking this site regularly, because if ANY 'JP3' news is released, you can be sure we will have the best coverage of that news in the 'JP3 articles and info' section.
Have a wonderful holiday period, and we look forward to some ground breaking 'Jurassic Park 3' information in the new millenium. Remember, "good things come to those who wait".
- CLINTON -
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