Jurassic World made me very happy. I love when a movie in a series understands the chapters that have come before and makes them relevant. So many times I got delighted chills, finding the old visitors center, like an ancient Dwarvish ruin, in the jungle, and the scientist from the original project. But most of all, Paddock 9. I feel so sorry for those who see this who haven't seen Jurassic Park, so much utter coolness will go over their heads.
Clair did not annoy me, though the dwelling on her and kids was grating. Despite her shoes she was competent, key to their survival, and quick to use her unique knowledge. Another moment of chills was when she pulled out the flare as the gate opened.
And the movie respected your intelligence, nobody said outright "The raptors have turned on us, they aren't acknowledging their training, oh, no!" The shot of the cameras all focusing on Owen after they talked to the hybrid told so much. I was getting nervous that Owen was going to have to shoot his own raptors, after yelling at people not to shoot them. Very Old Yeller. But the raptors responding to his cue to attack the hybrid, and, of course, the last one essentially saying "Good-bye, now leave before we have to eat you" was lovely.
It was more ensemble-y than I expected, there were enough character beats to give nearly everyone a little depth. Mostly I loved the confident story-telling, the placing of plot hooks and explication that paid off fairly naturally instead of having arrows pointed at them. I'll forgive a movie a lot for clever story-telling. (The movie Doom, based on the video game, was pretty sad, but I gave it a lot of points for having the male and female lead be brother and sister instead of romantically involved. Instant emotional relationship with decent stakes involved without all the complications.)
So anyway, I liked it. I don't know if I want to own it, though Chris Pratt is pretty and there are many cool bits. Maybe if I can find a DVD cheap. At any rate, I wasn't even rooting for the kids to get eaten.