by Olivia Garrett, entertainment editor

“Jurassic World’ brought in $208.8 million on its first weekend alone, earning it the title of the highest-grossing opening weekend ever. (This title was previously held by Marvel’s “The Avengers”). One would assume that a movie that successful would inspire feelings of awe or admiration…. Oh wait, that was “Jurassic Park.”

Unlike its predecessor, “Jurassic World” is woefully lacking in substance. Much like the InGen geneticists, “World” revolves around the idea of “more teeth.” The dinosaurs are impressive, but the plot isn’t. Utterly devoid of character development, the story falls flat.

The movie, which takes place two decades after the events of “Park,” makes no mention of the second and third installments in the franchise (“The Lost World: Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic Park III”). For some inconceivable reason, the society of “World” decided that a dinosaur theme park is a good idea. However, dinosaurs have become as unremarkable as zoo elephants. In order for the park to remain profitable, InGen scientists have created a completely new dinosaur, which, of course, outsmarts the humans and begins a killing spree.

Oh, and Chris Pratt is a motorcycle-riding raptor-whisperer who sweeps in to save the day. Also, Pratt’s love interest Claire has two nephews who are in danger. And there’s an evil scientist.

Despite its awesome potential, “World” leaves the audience unaffected and unchanged. Nothing in the movie compelled me to care about the characters. They didn’t ever really evolve or experience anything that the audience could relate to.

Furthermore, the plot is extremely unrealistic. First of all, velociraptors are not loyal pets. Secondly, a person cannot traipse all across uneven jungle terrain in high heels. Surely a paleontologist is more qualified to handle a giant dinosaur than a raptor-whisperer of dubious credentials. And didn’t dinosaurs have feathers?

“Jurassic World” is nothing new or innovative. With action-packed movies such as “The Avengers” thrilling global audiences, dinosaur-shock factor simply is not enough to warrant acclaim. “Jurassic World” does, however, serve as a reminder of just how amazing the original “Jurassic Park” was. Not even its more technologically-advanced sequel can live up to it.