5. With or Without Kids
One of the most common complaints I uncover amongst JP fans is the presence of children in the film series. Many diehards reserve the most vitriol for Kelly Malcolm from The Lost World and Eric Kirby from Jurassic Park III. The common criticism is actually one point well taken that the kids will never be killed and therefore, a serious lack of suspense and drama surrounds their participation in the film. There certainly is a serious grain of truth in that argument. However, the idea of children and most importantly family are central themes within the Jurassic Park film series. How do you ask? Well, lets analyze. Jurassic Parks protagonist of course is Dr. Alan Grant a reserved, quiet academic who enjoys paleontological field work. It certainly is at the very least hinted that Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler have something going on. While never fully confirmed, one of the most interesting character elements within the first JP is the sort of are they or arent they relationship between Alan and Ellie. Ian Malcolms sexual energy only serves to heighten the tensions as Grant becomes defensive when Ian asks if Dr. Sattler is available. However, the one stumbling block seems to be that Grant doesnt like children. Throughout the film, Grant becomes closer to park owner Hammonds grandchildren Tim and Lex Murphy. Dr. Grant even becomes their defender and guardian throughout the treacherous park. Tim and Lex are children in the midst of their parents messy divorce and Grant provides them with a sort of comfort that they dont seem to have at home. At the end, Ellie looks on as Grant sits nestled between a sleeping Tim and Lex. Ellie smiles as Grant recognizes that he has evolved to finally accept children and the possibility of a family. From a storytelling perspective, Grant has completed his arc and become more open and considerate. It almost seems like a surrogate family with a man, a woman, and two kids. Family is also important in the two sequels. In The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Malcolm has a rocky relationship with his daughter, Kelly. His inability to keep his word and his constant travel creates a considerable distance between Kelly and Ian. While Ian never fully undergoes a complete arc (one of the drawbacks of TLW), the family conflict is an extension of what was established in the original. In Jurassic Park III, Amanda and Paul Kirby are divorced parents who reunite to find their son, Eric, who is stranded on Isla Sorna. Despite their bickering, the parents work together and do whatever is necessary (including abducting Alan Grant) to locate Eric. At the end of the film, the experience brings the divorced couple together and ignites the possibility that the Kirby family will be one again. As you can see, there is a pattern here and whether one finds the kids annoying or not, it is part of the Jurassic Park formula. It would be like having a Star Wars movie without R2-D2 or C3PO. Most importantly, the family theme provides the heart and soul of the movie, allows for character development, and makes for a well-rounded picture. But if you go with this, you are rehashing old territory. Decisions, Decisions.