[hotwire]

I still hold that the scene where Grant and Sattler first see the Brachiosaur is one of the best acted (and I suppose directed) scenes ever. That subtle feeling of vindication when his theory is proven right against all the critics[1]... "they do move in herds"... and then the sheer wonder and child-like awe of Grant/Sam Neill when he just says, agape "...how'd you do this?" just spellbinds me each time.

I just couldn't imagine having that kind of emotional reponse as a viewer with today's CGI design by committee shitfest that seems to be the norm.

Also, don't forget that the first movie was based (fairly) closely on a riveting book written by a fantastic story teller - that sure helps with telling a good story.

[1] who you don't even know about - its just the way he says it makes you understand that he's been advancing that theory for a long time and facing a lot of criticism for it.