Sam Neill thinks the much-maligned Jurassic Park III doesn't get enough credit from fans.
Speaking to Den of Geek, Neil, who plays Dr. Alan Grant in the beloved Jurassic Park/World franchise, explained his candid opinion on the third movie, which many consider the weakest entry in the original trilogy. "I know it has its critics, but I actually think it’s a much better film than a lot of people say," Neill said. "I think it’s a really good action film. It ends abruptly; it didn’t really have as satisfactory an end as I would have liked. But other than that, I think the film works really well and I enjoyed making it."
Neill goes on to explain that while Jurassic Park III failed to impress, he still enjoyed making the movie. "I, in fact, enjoyed Jurassic III, mostly," Neill continued. "There were one or two cast members who weren’t particularly happy. Bill Macy was pretty clear that he wasn’t happy while making it. But me and Alessandro [Nivola] got on really well, and Joe Johnston is a terrific director, and I was along for the ride."
This isn't the first time Neill has gone out to bat for Jurassic Park III. The actor previously praised the movie, stating that he thinks it's often too heavily criticized. "I was just talking to someone earlier in the day who said, 'I really like Jurassic Park III and it gets an unfair [treatment].' He was from Rotten Tomatoes, I think it was him," Neill said. "And I said, 'Thank you very much!' I agree that the last 10 minutes are way too easy and way too hurried, but I think up to that point, it’s pretty damn good."
Released in 2001, Jurassic Park III sees Dr. Alan Grant return to the titular dinosaur-infested locale, this time focused on Isla Sorna, as he gives seemingly wealthy couple Paul and Amanda Kirby an aerial tour of the island in the hopes that they'll fund his velociraptor research. Events ultimately spiral out of control after Grant learns that the Kirby's are actually investigating the disappearance of their son. The group is eventually stranded on the island after their plane is destroyed, forcing them to search for an alternative means of escape.
Neill will next appear in Jurassic World Dominion, once again reprising his role as Dr. Alan Grant. Speaking about his future in the franchise, the actor confirmed that the latest installment in the franchise will be his final adventure as the world-renowned paleontologist. Neill insisted that the "really good, young people in [Dominion], like Mamoudou [Athie]" will carry the franchise forward.
Jurassic World Dominion hits theaters on June 10.
Source: Den of Geek