THE LOST WORLD
Well, Gigi is half wondering why she is bothering to write this review since everyone seems to have already seen this movie judging by its nearly 100 million dollar take at the box office over the long Memorial Day weekend.  It's curious that the most interesting thing about The Lost World is how "big" it is (i.e. getting everyone to buy the hype!) and not how good the movie is.  Or, maybe it's not such a mystery given how mediocre Spielberg's latest is -  I wish I had gotten "lost" on the way to the theatre.

The Lost World picks up four years after Jurassic Park ends.  Apparently, the conglomerate that created Jurassic Park had an additional site nearby.  On this island, the dinosaurs have been allowed to roam free and unfettered in their natural state.  (Can't you just hear Born Free playing in the background?)  The respect nature eco-sensitive message is just another lame aspect to this movie.  As if recreating a species that went naturally extinct millions of years ago respects nature.

Plus, if you're looking for a plot that makes sense, you're shit-out-of-luck watching this movie.  On the island, researchers battle hunters sent by the conglomerate's board of directors to capture a few dinosaurs, until they are forced to team up to keep themselves off the menu at Chez T.Rex.  Jeff Goldblum (wearing creaky leather and looking like he phoned his performance in from his bank in the Caymans) is the only orginal cast memeber to return in a role of any significance.  The other actors (Laura Dern and Sam Neill) had the good sense to stay away.  The special effects, however, are still spectacular though I wasn't as amazed as I was watching Jurassic Park.

Frankly, I was rooting for the dinosaurs - and hoping they'd eat up the entire cast and crew.  Also, Spielberg didn't do much with the plot twist that had a T.Rex roaming the streets of San Diego.  (Jeez, can't INS keep anything from crossing the border?)  This could have been done much so much better and with more humor.

Additionally, a number of critics have been warning that kids under 13 will be too traumatized by the Lost World.  Frankly, this is a bunch of crap!  The Lost World is not that scary and kids usually love the "monster" angle.  So, use your own judgment about whether the kid(s) in question can handle it.

I doubt this review will keep many away from the theatres - this is the type of "event" movie that people want to be a part of and I understand that.  But, you've been warned - you'll probably leave the theatre disappointed and wondering if the next "big" releases (Speed 2 and Batman and Robin) will be worth it.