The Lost World: Jurassic Park Review

Messages: Primarily promotes the notion that man's interference with the natural order of the universe leads to destruction. Represented by corporate types, it's clear that men who are greedy, power-seeking, and have a desire to reign supreme over the earth will not survive. It's far more desirable to be compassionate, respectful, and nurturing to all species.

Role models: The heroic characters (four men and one woman) are unfailingly courageous, smart, and diligent. They constantly put themselves at risk in order to save others. The female scientist (who is in danger almost continuously) rises to the occasion and proves as resourceful and brave as the others. Ethnic diversity is strong without comment. Bad guys fit the usual template of money-hungry corporate types who want to lay waste to the planet.

Violence: Plenty of thrills and animal savagery. The big game hunting and abuse of the dinosaurs is traumatic -- a baby dinosaur's leg is broken. Small dinosaurs (compies) swarm a little girl. Particularly gruesome scenes include: compies chewing at a villain's face before he is eventually killed; a raptor impaled on a spike; a severed hand hangs from a ship's wheel and an arm is seen holding a phone; a man is ripped in two by two T-Rexes. Dinosaurs chase, stomp, attack, and often eat their prey. Many long, suspenseful scenes in which the heroes, including a young girl, are in danger of being eaten, falling to their deaths, or crushed.

Sex: Not an issue

Language: Infrequent swearing ("goddamn," "bastard," "s--t," "son of-a bitch.").

Consumerism: Nikon. Krackel candy bars, Chevron are identified.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Champagne is seen at a picnic on the beach; one character drinks from a flask and seems to become drunk. A hero smokes.