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Burger King’s New BBQ Brisket Whopper

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Photo courtesy Markie_Devo

Burger King unveiled a new burger innovation as part of its “Whopper by You” platform that allows the consumer to have a hand in shaping the menu. The first creation from its new platform is the BBQ Brisket Whopper — a smoky, savory twist on the flame-grilled classic, inspired by what fans of the Whopper have been asking for across the country, Burger King said.

“As the brand known for ‘Have It Your Way,’ we want to continue letting our guests tell us what they want, and when it comes to our iconic Whopper sandwich, they have a lot of ideas,” said Joel Yashinsky, chief marketing officer of Burger King US&C. “We’re excited to kick off the ‘Whopper by You’ platform with the BBQ Brisket Whopper, a flavor profile that our guests requested, and we are very excited to answer with an overwhelming, ‘You Rule!’”

The BBQ Brisket Whopper features slow-cooked BBQ brisket, crispy onions, American cheese and a sweet & golden BBQ sauce, all piled on a quarter-pound, flame-grilled beef patty with lettuce, tomato and mayo.

Additionally, for the first time, Burger King is offering its new Whopper as a Whopper Jr. for those seeking the same flavor benefits at a smaller scale.

Beginning on July 15, consumers can submit their dream Whopper creations on the Burger King website. With their first “Whopper by You” creation, guests can redeem a special Royal Perks offer assigned at random, ranging from a $0.01 Whopper sandwich each week for a year to free burgers with a purchase, and other deals.

“As the brand known for ‘Have It Your Way,’ we want to continue letting our guests tell us what they want, and when it comes to our iconic Whopper sandwich, they have a lot of ideas,” said Joel Yashinsky, chief marketing officer of Burger King US&C. “We’re excited to kick off the ‘Whopper by You’ platform with the BBQ Brisket Whopper, a flavor profile that our guests requested, and we are very excited to answer with an overwhelming, ‘You Rule!’”

McCoy on Movies: Superman

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James Gunn brings humanity to an alien character with DC Universe lead film reboot

SUPERMAN

The most controversial movie of the year focuses on the choices we make as humans, what makes us human, fear of those different than us and takes aim at the evil corporations and billionaires do under the guise of helping society all while showing a person of color as one of the smartest on earth.
 

Go figure.

The first official cinematic entry in James Gunn’s tenure as the head of the DC Comics Cinematic Universe, SUPERMAN – the 2025 version – can be viewed in one of two ways: (1) This is a super “woke” (which ironically is the opposite of “asleep,” but that’s another conversation entirely …) film where an alien makes us look at our fear of those different from us, how they could take over and showing us this unrealistic view where all these DEI hires have to “save us” from evil, white, male billionaires …


OR

(2) This is a multi-layered film that, while not perfect, makes a character that has been portrayed historically as having one weakness as being vulnerable – not just to kryptonite, but a world that doesn’t understand him and at times, fears him. This is a film that likewise shows the true danger of letting the rich run wild with unchecked power, how propaganda can be near fatal to thought, progression and society … All while throwing in a mix of humor, secondary characters that actually contribute significantly to a story and a lead perfectly cast for his role.

Smart fans will take the latter approach.

RATING:

 

Troni Brothers Pizza Presents Lil’ Chefs Pizza Making

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Kids out of school and already saying “I’m bored”? Troni’s in Kettering has got just the thing.
Join them for their first-ever Lil’ Chefs Pizza-Making Event at Troni Bros Pizza!
Here’s what’s included for just $5.00 per child:
– Make your own personal pizza (we’ll bake it and serve it)
– Includes a kids drink
– Face painting
– Photo booth fun
– Coloring pages and activities
– Dine-in experience to enjoy their creation
Two time slots available (20 kids per session):
– 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
– 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Date: Saturday, July 26th
Ages: 12 and under
🎟️ Tickets can be purchased in-store or online at Troni Bros Kettering Clover Online Ordering Page from their website. Spots are limited and will go quickly, so don’t wait!
Troni Brothers Pizza
4654 Wilmington Pike
Kettering, OH 45440
937-259-8877

6 New Menu Additons at The Winds Cafe

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The Winds Cafe in Yellow Springs is sharing this sneak peak of their new summer menu and it is chocked full of local vegetables. “We are so lucky to have wonderful farmers (La Brisa Farm @labrisafarm , Peach Mountain Organic, Patchwork Gardens @patchworkgardensdyt  Orion Organics @orionorganics) to provide us with magnificent veggies to create with.”
Chilled Five Heap Noodles with Chicken

Tomato Bruschetta

“Esploso Estate”

Tuscan Bread Salad

Grilled Long Bone Duroc Pork Chop

Insalata Caprese

The Winds invites you experience the joy of summer through these produce prominent delectable dishes.
Along with the new menu, there is new art, with these intriguing and special pieces by @amykollaranderson hanging in the café. Their use of texture is really wonderful and a must see!

Art by Amy Kollar Anderson

215 Xenia Ave
Yellow Springs, OH

937-767-1144

 

Lunch 12:00pm-3:00pm Tuesdays – Saturdays
Dinner 4:00pm – 9:00pm Tuesdays – Saturdays
After Hours (Bar & snacks) 9:00-11:00pm Tuesdays – Saturdays

Milano’s New Summer Menu

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Milano’s offers the perfect mix of casual comfort food, local flavor, and a great atmosphere. Known for its legendary subs, pizzas, and wings, Milano’s is a go-to spot for everything from game day grub to relaxed dinners with friends. Their signature hoagies and loaded cheesesteaks are fan favorites, and they also have a rotating selection of craft beers and a full bar. Whether you’re craving a classic Italian-style sandwich or want to hang out and catch the game, Milano’s delivers quality food, fast service, and a hometown vibe that keeps people coming back. Milano’s has just released their Summer Menu, which is available through August 31st:

Gluten- free rolls available for an upcharge- $1.99 for a half $3.99 for a whole

 

Location Restaurant Hours Delivery Hours Phone Number
University of Dayton
1834 Brown Street
Dayton, OH 45409		 Sun: 11a-midnight
M-W: 11a-1a
Th-Sat: 11a-2:30a		 Sun-Thurs 11a-midnight
Fri-Sat 11a-1a		 937-222-7072
Miami Township
9572 Springboro Pike
Miami Township, Ohio 45342		 Mon-Thurs 11a-11p
Fri-Sat 11a-12a
Sun 11a-10p		 Mon-Thurs 11a-11p
Fri-Sat 11a-12a
Sun 11a-10p		 937-434-7827
Beavercreek
2260 N. Fairfield Rd
Beavercreek, Ohio 45431		 Mon-Thurs 11a-11p
Fri-Sat 11a-12a
Sun 11a-10p		 Mon-Thurs 11a-11p
Fri-Sat 11a-12a
Sun 11a-10p		 937-427-7827

Ashley’s Pastry Shop Offering Cookies For A Cause

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This week, Ashley’s Pastry Shop is  baking to support those affected by the recent flooding in Central Texas. In partnership with  the non profit, Raining Angels, they are supporting the Hope House, sending sensory kits to the children and adults with disabilities that live and are served there.

A staple memory for many that attended Camp Mystic, a summer camp that was heavily impacted by the flood, are goodies known as “Tweety Cookies”. These infamous oatmeal chocolate-chip cookies were baked by camp co-owner Tweety Eastland for campers and staff.
Ashley’s will be baking these special treats this week, and 100% of proceeds from Tweety cookie sales will go to Raining Angels, an organization supporting Hope House! Hope House is a home that permanently houses and serves disabled children and adults in Texas, giving them lifelong care. It was one of the locations hit the hardest by the flooding. Stop into the bakery this week to try the Tweety Cookies yourself, and send hope and support to those in need 

A New Option For Authentic Mexican Food

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The Mexican restaurant located inside La Poblanita Mexican Market opened quietly a couple of months ago. With a menu chocked full of authentic Mexican dishes with the  specialty of the house being Tacos Al Pastor De Trompo, and Ceviche Tostadas. The menu is vast and starts with 5 appetizer selections, burritos, volcanes tacos, tortas, seafood, a section from the grill,  kids selections,  desserts and a full bar. It’s very reasonably priced with most entrees from $12 – 16 and portions that were quite large.  I ended up taking home half my burrito it was so big and filling.

Friday through Sunday they also offer a Caldo de Camaron, Menudo, Caldo de Res, Tamales and Pozole.

Sharing a few food pictures:

Quesabirria

 

Steak Burrito

 

 

Taquitos

La Poblanita Mexican Restaurant
located in the back of the market.

470 Springboro Pike,
Miamisburg, OH 45342

Open 7 days a week
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Sip, Sample, and Vote For Your Favorite Artini To Benefit Culture Works

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Tickets are now on sale for the 5th annual Artini to be held on from 6 – 8pm on Thursday, August 21st in the Rotunda of the Dayton Arcade.  Culture Works’ unique friend and fundraiser that celebrates the fusion of art and mixology by featuring art-inspired cocktails and mocktails.

Local Mixologists work from an inspiration piece of art from a local artist to create a tasty “Artini.” Enjoy live music, delectable appetizers, engaging arts experiences, and local artwork for sale, while exploring the best drinks that art can inspire. Your ticket also affords you a vote to select the winning bartender. You decide which mixologist has captured the essence of the artwork in both a cocktail and a mocktail.

Confirmed Participants include:  Coco’s Bistro, Fifth Street Brewpub and Wheat Penny, with more to be added.

Sip, sample, and vote for your favorites! 

General Admission tickets – $55 includes five drink tickets
VIP tickets – $65 includes early access at 5:30pm and a bonus drink ticket

Tickets can be purchased online. Cash bar available for beer and wine.

Questions? Interested in sponsoring Artini? Call 937-222-ARTS or email [email protected].

Grist Announces A Series of 4 Course Dinners.

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Grist has just announced an upcoming  four part summer dinner series they’ll be hosting this summer.  You can book just one or all four.  On each night you’ll have your choice of seatings, either at 5 pm and 7:45 pm. You also have the option to add a wine pairing for each dinner for $45. Due to the nature of the event they are unable to accommodate modifications to the menu and cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate allergies. Reservations can be made online.

Here are the dates and menus to be featured:

July 14th  Ferment and Fire
First Course
Fermented Plum and Duck Salad
Dressed chicory and frisee, coal-kissed stone fruit, fermented plum & mirin vinaigrette, duck skin crackling

Thibault Ducroux, Fleurie, Gamay, France*

Second Course
Coal Roasted Beet Agnolotti
Cultured cream, fennel pollen, burnt orange kosho, braised beet greens

Poggisecco, Chianti, Italy*

Third Course
Wood-Fired Eggplant & Short Rib
Grilled eggplant, seared and braised beef short rib, chunky hao pan jus, blistered shishito relish, rice grits

Muriel, Rioja Gran Reserva, Spain*

Fourth Course
Cornmeal Shortcake & Stone Fruit
Peach Curd, fermented stone preserves, fermented honey marshmallow crème, hibiscus powder

Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco (NV) Italy*

July 28th Verdant
Course 1
Scallop Tostada
Avocado mousse, citrus cured scallops, melon salsa, pickled shallot, coriander, finger lime, furikakeBiokult, Gruner Veltliner, Austria*

Course 2
Zucchini & Green Onion Cappalletti
Sheep milk ricotta, pecorino crumb, nasturtium, Meyer lemon gel

Colleleva, Verdicchio dei Castelli, Italy*

Course 3
Citrus-Cured Halibut
Lovage panade, toasted farro, shaved pole bean salad, herb pistou

Henri Perrusset, Macon Villages, Chardonnay, France*

Course 4
Verbena Panna Cotta
Sparkling grapes, verjus gel, pistachio tuile

Honeymoon, Pares Balta, Parellada, Spain*

August 11th Pasta e Basta
First Course
Goat Cheese & Charred Shishito Cappelletti
Shaved heirloom tomato, garden herbsCatena, White Clay, Semillon Chenin blanc, Argentina*

Second Course
Shellfish Campanelle
Charred fennel, saffron, tomato-sambuca butter, clams, mussels & crab

Gaintza Txakolina, Hondarrabi Zuri, Spain*

Third Course
Smoked Eggplant Pici
Basil oil, almond & caper gremolata, purslane, pickled garlic scape

Raeburn Chardonnay, USA*

Fourth Course
Garganelli
Sweet corn & truffle foam, braised pork ragù, chow chow crumble

Gran Passione, Rosso Appassimento, Merlot, Italy*

August 25th Secret Summer 5 | 7:45
First course
Summer Melon Curd
Shaved honeydew and cantaloupe, citrus-cured scallop, smoked trout roe, fennel frond oil, melon aguachileJoile Laide, Melon de Bourgogne, USA*

Second Course
Corn Ricotta Gnudi
Butter, roasted peach & white balsamic vinaigrette, crushed Marcona almond, baby sage

Mont Gravet, Rose, France*

Third Course
Lamb Saddle Roulade
Tender chard, crispy pancetta, summer beans, blistered tomato, garlic scape & mint gremolata, black fig gastrique

Spinelli, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy*

Fourth Course
Olive Oil Genoise
Macerated berries, goat’s milk gelato, lavender meringue

Talosa, Toscana, Italy*

Grist

46 W. 5th Street,
Dayton, OH, 45402
937-802-4544
Tues – Sat
10am – 3pm and 5 -9pm

All The Best Deli Debuts “The Best Bar”

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All The Best Delicatessen, Dayton’s New York-style deli,  announced an exciting new addition to its dining experience: The Best Bar. Nestled at the heart of the deli’s welcoming dining space, The Best Bar will offer guests a new way to enjoy their favorite meals—with thoughtfully crafted beverages and a warm, vibrant atmosphere.

Whether guests choose to sit at the bar itself or order a drink to enjoy with their meal, The Best Bar is designed to enhance the All The Best experience from breakfast through dinner. This full bar features a selection of cocktails, bottled and draft beers, white and red wines, and tasty bar bites. The bar will blend classic deli comfort with contemporary bar flair.

“This bar is a natural extension of what we’ve always strived for—creating a place where people feel at home while enjoying the best food and drink around,” said owner Lee Schear. “The Best Bar is about raising the bar—literally and figuratively—for what a deli can offer.”

Features of The Best Bar include:

  • Strawberry Lemonade Sunrise – a delicious taste of summer brought right to your seat

  • Rhinegeist Truth IPA and Warped Wing Trotwood Lager – supporting Ohio breweries

  • Grilled Hot Dog Sliders, Grilled Salami, and Charcuterie Platters

  • Full access to the All The Best menu for dine-in guests at the bar

  • Beverage service is available throughout the dining area

The Best Bar is set to officially open its doors to the public on July 8, 2025, with operating hours from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday-Friday, and earlier for breakfast on the weekends.

“As we continue to grow, we’re staying true to our roots,” said co-founder Carin Solganik. “We want this to feel like the neighborhood deli people know and love—but with a few new twists that make it even better.”

All The Best will also be adjusting its breakfast offerings. Beginning in July, full breakfast will be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This new schedule allows the team to continue delivering the quality and consistency customers have come to expect. Select breakfast menu items will be available every day, all day.

All The Best Delicatessen

5940 Far Hills Ave.
Dayton, OH 45429

937.999.4204

M-F: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

2025 Diced Chef Challenge To Benefit Miami Valley Meals

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Miami Valley Meals’ signature fundraiser, Diced in Dayton will return on Tuesday, Sept 9th. This  interactive, food-filled event showcases and celebrates the creativity of local chefs as they craft unique dishes from a set of mystery ingredients. Participating chefs must meet the challenge that MVM chefs face each day: how to transform unpredictable ingredients into something new and delicious. Moving to a new venue this year, the event will take place at the Schuster Center.

Guests delight in the ingenuity and flavor of the dishes while learning about what Miami Valley Meals does to help those who are food insecure in our community.  Guest get to taste the bites created by each chef that have been given a mystery box of ingredients to feature in their taste.

At the end of the night, the top two chefs, as voted by the people and by judges, compete in a live cook-off with a new box of mystery ingredients for the title of Diced in Dayton Champion.

Chefs Patrick and Casey Van Voorhis of Grist Provisions (Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice winner).

2025 Competing Chefs

  • Aaron Braun, NCR Country Club
  • Jaime Bondurant, Blueberry Cafe
  • Josh Cox, The Foundry (AC Marriot)
  • Carly Hensley, Speakeasy (Speakeasy Miso, Speakeasy Ramen, 571 Grill)
  • Zach Morgan, Little Fish Brewing Company
  • Mariah Poling, Nood Bar
  • Jacob Rodibaugh, Bistecca Italian Steakhouse (First Hospitality)

and more to be announced soon!

General admission tickets run $75 which includes 6pm entry, ability to sample tastes from all chefs, and free parking in the ARTS Garage.

VIP tickets are $150 includes 5:30pm early entry, ability to sample tastes from all chefs, access to a VIP.lounge area with additional seating, 2 drink tickets, 1 raffle ticket, free parking in the ARTS Garage, and an exclusive gift.

VIP Table for 8 – Limited availability  – A table includes 8 VIP tickets and a dedicated, reserved table at the event. VIP Admission includes 5:30pm early entry, ability to sample tastes from all chefs, 2 drink tickets, 1 raffle ticket, free parking in the ARTS Garage, and an exclusive gift.   $1,440.00

Tickets can be purchased online here.

All funds raised from this event allow Miami Valley Meals team of chefs transform recovered (a.k.a. “rescued”) foods into hearty and nutritious prepared meals that are then distributed to a network of nonprofit partners serving people experiencing food insecurity in the Miami Valley—free of charge. This program currently distributes an average of ~4,000 meals per week to 50 partners per month.

McDonald’s Introduces Spicy McMuffins.

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 Starting July 8 the Golden Arches introduces  new Spicy McMuffin breakfast sandwiches that come in three variations will be available for a limited-time at participating restaurants nationwide.

The new sandwich includes what customers “already love about the iconic Egg McMuffin — melty cheese, a freshly cracked egg (now sourced 100% cage-free in the U.S.), Canadian bacon and a perfectly toasted and buttered English Muffin — plus a fiery, delicious twist: a shot of McDonald’s signature Spicy Pepper Sauce,” the company said in its announcement.

Customers can also opt for the new Spicy Sausage McMuffin or the Spicy Sausage McMuffin with Egg.

But don’t snooze too long, the Spicy McMuffin won’t last forever. Set that alarm clock on July 8—because this one’s worth waking up for.

Summer Class Registration Now Open at DLM Culinary Center

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The Dorothy Lane Market Culinary Center Summer Class Schedule is here! Whether you’re a curious beginner or seasoned home cook, the lineup of hands-on classes invites you to explore bold flavors, master new techniques, and connect with fellow food lovers. From making pastry to trying ethnic cuisines, these experiences are designed to provide food education and elevate your kitchen game. Come cook, taste, learn, and celebrate the joy of food all summer long.

The variety of classes range from Summer Fruit Desserts, Farm-To-Table Flavors Of Summer, The Limitless World of Flatbread and several classes for junior bakers.

But hurry, these classes sell out quickly!
Make your reservation for a spot now.

Culver’s Now Open in West Carrollton

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Culver’s, a Wisconsin based chain, is known for cooking your food only after you order it. Whether it’s a burger, chicken sandwich, or fish dinner, it’s prepared fresh, not sitting under a heat lamp. Famous for its ButterBurgers, which are made with fresh, never frozen Midwest beef, seared to order and served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun.

Culver’s offers rich, creamy frozen custard made fresh in each restaurant throughout the day. It’s denser and smoother than ice cream, with flavors that rotate daily and include, caramel turtle, dark chocolate decadence, salted double caramel pecan, mint cookie and so many more.. You can get this frozen treat in a cone, waffle cone or dish.

Beside burger and custard, you’ll find hand-battered North Atlantic cod, crispy chicken and pot roast sandwiches, corn dogs, fried shrimp, hearty soups, salads, and sides and Wisconsin cheese curds—a fan favorite! There a variety of sides to compliment your meal, including fries, onion rings, pretzel bites, chilli, broccoli, coleslaw, loaded chili fries as well as mashed potatoes and gravy.

Today’s opening of the Culver’s in West Carrollton is the third location for the chain, joining the  Dayton location on Miller Lane, and the Troy eatery, on West Main Street.

“This is more than a restaurant opening — it’s a moment that marks real progress in the River District and what’s to come,” said West Carrollton Mayor Rick Barnhart. “We are excited to welcome Culver’s and celebrate this important milestone with the community. It’s a proud day for West Carrollton and a sign of the great momentum building throughout our city.”

The West Carrollton Culver’s is owned by Jim DiVerde and Chuck Martin, partners in the Illinois-based MD Restaurant Group. Claudio Zeledón Guzman is the owner/operator. Culver’s is known for its ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard. This restaurant is the first business to open in theRiver District development, a $75 million project that includes retail, dining, entertainment, a hotel, and public recreation spaces. 

 

 Culver’s
1100 East Dixie Drive
West Carrollton, OH 45449

(937) 388-8051

Open daily
10 am to 11 pm

Dayton at Work and Play: Val’s Bakery

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Our first visit to Val’s Bakery (25 S St Clair, Downtown)
People have suggested I try Val’s Bakery ever since they opened a few years ago. Val’s started out sharing space with Dished! in Kettering. After only 8 months, they opened their own location on Brown St. Just 6 months later, they had outgrown the space and are now in a larger space downtown.
A few days ago, Val’s Bakery won Best Bakery in the Best of Dayton competition, and I decided I really needed to try this place out. We went Saturday morning when downtown parking is free, and found a line outside waiting to get in. We used our time in line to talk to other patrons about what we should order. We opted for a plain croissant, an almond croissant, a blueberry-lime scone and a chocolate chip cookie.
We were glad to see that there was lots of seating, so we sat and tried two of our treats right away. My scone was amazing, and the plain croissant we ate that evening was as good as any I’ve ever had.
I don’t normally do food photography, but Val’s website talks about the importance of the laminations in making their European-style pastries. They say their treats have “hundreds of flaky layers that melt in your mouth,” so I thought I’d show a cross-section of one of their coconut chocolate croissants. I bought that at Val’s drive-through coffee bar (5707 Bigger) a few days after we went to the downtown location. I cut this one in half and shared it with my wife. We both licked our plate, so we’d get every crumb.
After people suggested Val’s Bakery, I waited a few years before I finally tried it. Then I bought their pastries twice in less than a week. That’s how good they are. I will be a regular.
Val’s Bakery

25 S St Clair St,
Dayton, OH 45402


Wed – Fri 7am – 2pm
Sat 9am – 2pm
Sun 10am – 2pm

Coffee Bar by Val’s Bakery

Drive-Thru

5707 Bigger Road,
Kettering OH 45440

Mon 7am to 6pm
Tues – Sat 7am to 3pm

Pastries come fresh from the bakery every:

Wednesday – Fri 7am to sold out

Saturday 9am to sold out

McCoy on Movies: JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH

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JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH
There’s an old adage that says, “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” In the case of JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH, one might say, “Give a film studio a dinosaur and they’ll give an audience one really great movie. Let that same studio have a bunch of dinosaurs and they’ll give audiences the same formula with a few tweaks and watch as they keep buying tickets.”
There’s a scene early on in REBIRTH where Rupert Friend’s character explains to Scarlett Johansson’ character that over time, people lost interest in dinosaurs. That should serve as enough of a warning to the savvy film viewer to know that the next two hours are going to feature what you already know to expect from a Jurassic World film:
  • An evil corporate person who always thinks of profit over anything else to their own demise;
  • A nerdy scientist who values dinosaurs more than humans the way people who love dogs but have few friends do their pets;
  • Another example of helicopters NOT being a good idea in these situations;
  • Soldiers who seem to be trained at the Acme school of bad henchmen;
  • A character that seems like a goof at first but shows redeeming qualities;
  • A scared child that should never have been in this situation in the first place; and
  • A monster hybrid dinosaur that no one in their right mind would ever create, attendance needs of the actual park be damned.
So, despite the film’s title, there’s absolutely nothing new happening in JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH. But given the film’s massive July Fourth weekend box office tally, expect another Jurassic World film to spawn within the next 2-4 years.
RATING: