An amusement park paleontologist and a hapless security guard team up to stop an invisible raptor from wreaking havoc on their small town.
In the vibrant landscape of ’70s and ’80s Ireland, a generation of cinephiles found their calling through the masterful works of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Spielberg, in particular, left an indelible mark on Hollywood not only through his directorial prowess but also his prolific production portfolio. His influence extended across numerous beloved films, including “Gremlins,” “Back to the Future,” “The Goonies,” and the groundbreaking “Jurassic Park” in the ’90s. This enduring legacy serves as the foundation for “The Invisible Raptor,” a film that wears its influences prominently, perhaps too prominently, crafted by writers Mike Capes, Johnny Wickham, and director Mikey Hermosa.
“The Invisible Raptor” positions itself as more than mere homage to “Jurassic Park”; it embraces the entire Spielberg canon, incorporating references that astute followers of the director’s work will readily identify. The narrative framework closely mirrors “Jurassic Park,” centering on the Tyler Corporation, a bioengineering enterprise that has developed an invisible velociraptor for military applications. When this intelligent specimen escapes containment, it disappears into the night, unleashing chaos upon a nearby residential area. The responsibility of containing this threat falls to an unlikely trio: Dr. Grant Walker (Mike Capes), a paleontologist whose career has seen better days at a local dinosaur theme park; his former romantic partner Amber (Caitlin McHugh); and an eccentric security guard Denny (David Shackelford).
The film’s title leaves little room for subtextual interpretation—this is, indeed, a straightforward narrative about an invisible prehistoric predator wreaking indiscriminate havoc. The production embraces its premise with unrestrained enthusiasm, sparing no potential victim in its path, whether human or animal. The cast approaches their roles with appropriate levity, nearly crossing into self-parody territory, though stopping short of breaking the fourth wall in the style of comedic classics like “Airplane.”
While the filmmakers’ dedication to honoring Spielberg’s techniques and motifs is admirable, the execution varies in effectiveness. The film’s primary weakness lies in its excessive length; at nearly two hours, it would benefit significantly from more judicious editing. The marketing campaign’s prominent feature of Sean Astin proves somewhat misleading, given his brief appearance in the opening moments. However, the inclusion of Vanessa Chester, known for her role in “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” provides an interesting connection to the franchise that inspired this work.
“The Invisible Raptor” ultimately emerges as an earnest tribute to Spielberg’s filmography, interwoven with various 1980s cultural references. While it may not achieve the heights of its inspiration, it offers engaging entertainment for viewers willing to embrace its premise and overlook its indulgences.
Now available on Digital and on Blu-ray™ February 4th