As a child of the ’90s who grew up with the original Jurassic Park trilogy, I must admit that my initial reaction to the talking raptor scene in Jurassic Park III was one of cringe and disappointment. The scene felt like an unnecessary departure from the fearsome and intelligent velociraptors we had grown to love in the first film. However, as I’ve grown older and seen how blockbusters can evolve over time, I find myself revisiting that scene with a more appreciative eye.
The Jurassic Park series certainly presents an unusual case in filmmaking. It kicked off with a cinematic gem, directed by Steven Spielberg, that remains one of the finest large-scale productions ever made. Following films in the Jurassic Park franchise have generated profits, but they’ve never garnered the same level of adoration as the first release. The sequel trilogy of Jurassic World received progressively more negative feedback with each new installment. Generally speaking, only the original film is universally cherished within this expansive storyline.
In the later Jurassic Park films, one particularly memorable and often ridiculed scene is found in Jurassic Park III. This scene takes place when Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), waking up on a plane bound for Isla Sorna, finds himself face-to-face with a velociraptor. Assuming the plane to be empty, he’s shocked to see the creature so close. The velociraptor, voiced by his assistant Billy (Alessandro Nivola), says “ALAN!”, causing Grant to jolt awake in terror, confirming the lasting impact of his past encounters with dinosaurs on his psyche.
Everyone from the Honest Trailers crew to official LEGO video game adaptations have skewered this Jurassic Park III scene involving a chatty raptor. Now that Jurassic Park III has existed for decades, it’s worth considering…was the scene really all that bad?
Did Jurassic Park III Go Too Far With That Talking Raptor?
Before the events of September 11th and the release of Jurassic Park films featuring Owen Grady, one might consider this sequence as the most ill-conceived for the franchise. This scene, where velociraptors seem to speak, is not only conceptually terrifying but turns out to be comical. Moreover, it undermines the fear and awe these iconic dinosaurs instill, making it challenging to perceive them as fearsome creatures again after the “ALAN!” scene in Isla Sorna. Even for this fantastical saga, this sudden shift in tone is difficult to accept.
The outburst of the talking raptor in a dream sequence symbolizes deeper issues with the Jurassic Park III movie. Initially, this film was seen as the weakest link in the series, an oddity filled with flaws. It wasn’t just that Steven Spielberg didn’t direct it. This movie also had a controversial ending that was cut short, and it featured the death of the beloved T-Rex to make way for the Spinosaurus. This was a highly controversial film on many levels. The raptor shouting “ALAN!” early in the film serves as a clear joke to sum up these issues.
By 2024, the reputation and perception of the Jurassic Park franchise has changed drastically compared to its standing in 2001. The dynamics have become more intricate, with Spielberg’s involvement no longer being a defining factor as it once was. Unlike before when he directed both Jurassic Park and The Lost World, these two movies are now exceptions rather than the norm, as most of the subsequent Jurassic films were directed by others. Additionally, several Jurassic sequels released after 2001 have received critically unfavorable reviews, making the initial reception of Jurassic Park III seem almost favorable in comparison to recent disappointments like Jurassic World Dominion.
Starting with “Jurassic Park III”, dinosaur portrayals have continued to develop, with raptors being no exception. The emotional cry of “ALAN!” from a raptor in “Jurassic Park III” paved the way for the anthropomorphized traits seen in later films like “Jurassic World”, particularly with Blue. Instead of just one amusing instance, more recent films such as “Dominion” and “Fallen Kingdom” have focused on significantly reducing the fearsome aura that once surrounded raptors. This shift doesn’t erase all criticisms of the “ALAN!” scene in “Jurassic Park III”, but it does suggest that the franchise has become increasingly whimsical and fantastical since its 2001 iteration.
This sequence in “Jurassic World Dominion” feels drawn-out and lacks originality, often resembling a reenactment of significant scenes from “Jurassic Park.” Unlike the daring and unusual scene where a raptor said “ALAN,” this scene doesn’t take risks. Instead, it leans heavily on recycled elements from previous movies. In comparison, some scenes in “Jurassic World” series are more conceptually unique, but they lack the boldness and conciseness that made the “Jurassic World III” scene stand out. Would you prefer a brief raptor saying “ALAN” or enduring the lengthy romantic dialogues between Owen Grady and Claire Dearing? The decision seems clear!
Jurassic Park III: King of Memes
In retrospect, it’s impressive how Jurassic Park III incorporated a real raptor to say “ALAN”, giving the scene a sense of emotional authenticity. Despite the challenging blend of practical and computer-generated dinosaurs, the animatronics in the film are well-executed. By using an actual raptor, they added a level of dedication that even extends to this now iconic yet somewhat absurd pop culture reference. Unlike many CGI elements, the raptor’s lip movements were not added later, but were carefully crafted on set, demonstrating the filmmakers’ commitment to detail and realism.
“What’s particularly noteworthy is that a goofy moment from Jurassic Park III has sparked an endless stream of amusing memes and spoofs over the years. From LEGO jokes to fan art, memes, and more, the raptor’s iconic shout of ‘ALAN’ continues to resonate through pop culture even decades after its initial cinema release. It’s safe to say that even those who dislike this scene from Jurassic Park III have found themselves chuckling at the humor it has inspired. Despite being a point of contention, this dream sequence from Jurassic Park III has made a positive impact on the world.
Is it possible that the same observation applies to the general flaws found in the Jurassic World film series? It appears there are few cosplayers emulating the over-the-top villains from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, yet you can find T-shirts featuring a raptor saying “ALAN” with a speech bubble. Merchandise for memorable but clumsy Jurassic World lines is scarce. The sequel trilogy seemed more focused on delivering nostalgia than taking risks that spark conversations. In contrast, Jurassic Park III dared to take a significant leap in the dream sequence, which has since inspired some entertaining and enduring pop culture reactions.
Despite taking into account all aspects, it’s hard to argue that the “ALAN” scene in “Jurassic Park III” wasn’t incredibly absurd. Given how it undermined the fear factor of the velociraptors and showcased some less refined writing choices in the film, it’s reasonable to react with mockery or disdain. However, looking back, that talkative raptor has gained a certain charm over time. After enduring more than six hours of Chris Pratt’s serious action hero character in the “Jurassic World” movies, you might find yourself yearning for the unrestrained silliness of “Jurassic Park III”.
The way public opinion shifts towards a blockbuster like the talking raptor scene, similar to how views on the Star Wars prequels have evolved, demonstrates the flexibility of audience reactions to movies over time. What one generation finds disastrous, the next might cherish and develop a lifelong passion for cinema from. Initially, in 2001, Jurassic Park III left people cringing with their hands over their faces. However, as we move forward in our contemporary world, it becomes simpler to recognize the film’s appealing aspects and peculiarities in a movie industry that often recycles old concepts.
Even Sam Neill Loves Jurassic Park III
Previously, during an interview with Perri Nemiroff from Collider, Sam Neill shared his personal appreciation for what Jurassic Park III contributed.
Neill expressed, “That’s quite impressive! [Chuckles] Earlier today, I had a conversation with someone who mentioned they appreciate ‘Jurassic Park III.’ They feel it doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves. I concur that the final 10 minutes are overly simplistic and rushed, but up until then, it’s quite good.
Looking back, it’s possible to argue that the talking raptor in Jurassic Park III wasn’t as awful as some people might have thought… maybe.
You can stream the Jurassic movies on Peacock.
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2024-11-10 16:10