Now Playing: Bob Mondello Reviews ‘Jurassic World,’ Gritty Noir, and Dystopian Drama Hitting Theaters July 3, 2025

Moviegoers seeking diverse cinematic experiences have a compelling array of options available in theaters as of July 3, 2025. NPR film critic Bob Mondello, in a review highlighted by WSIU, surveyed several notable new releases, spanning from a major franchise blockbuster featuring prehistoric creatures to intense independent thrillers and thought-provoking low-budget dramas.

Mondello’s review provided insights into the varied slate, offering perspectives on films designed for wide audiences and those targeting more niche interests. Among the films dissected were the latest installment in a globally recognized series, a gritty noir exploring complex social themes, and a dystopian narrative set against a familiar backdrop.

Return to the Prehistoric: “Jurassic World Rebirth”

A central focus of the review was “Jurassic World Rebirth,” the newest chapter in the enduring dinosaur saga. This film arrives with considerable anticipation, featuring a cast led by prominent talents such as Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey. The “Jurassic World” franchise has captivated audiences for years with its blend of science fiction, adventure, and thrilling encounters with genetically resurrected dinosaurs.

Mondello assessed “Jurassic World Rebirth” within the context of its predecessors. He noted that the film represents an improvement over previous entries in the recent series, suggesting a potential refinement in storytelling or execution. However, this positive observation was tempered by a familiar critique often leveled against the franchise: Mondello still considered the film ludicrous. This designation typically points to plot points or scenarios that strain credulity, a characteristic that has become somewhat synonymous with the high-stakes, fantastical nature of pitting humans against apex predators from deep time.

Despite any narrative improbabilities, a “Jurassic World” film inherently promises a spectacle built around the awe and terror inspired by dinosaurs. The inclusion of acclaimed actors like Johansson and Bailey signals a potential effort to ground the human drama amidst the inevitable creature-driven action, aiming to deliver both thrills and engaging performances.

The Gritty World of “Ponyboi”

Shifting dramatically in tone and scope, the review also delved into “Ponyboi.” Described as both a thriller and a steamy noir, this film occupies a distinct space in the cinematic landscape. Noir as a genre is characterized by cynicism, fatalism, moral ambiguity, and often a stylized visual palette, while the addition of “steamy” suggests an exploration of explicit or intense relationships.

The narrative of “Ponyboi” centers on a particularly compelling protagonist: an intersex sex worker. This represents a significant and potentially groundbreaking portrayal, offering a voice and perspective often marginalized in mainstream cinema. The character is played by Gallo, an artist who uses they/them pronouns. The film’s focus on this character suggests an intimate and perhaps unflinching look at themes of identity, vulnerability, and survival within a harsh urban environment, characteristic of the noir genre.

Adding another layer to the film’s complex character dynamics is the presence of Dylan O’Brien. O’Brien portrays Vinnie, a character identified as a pimp and drug dealer. This role places O’Brien in a darker, more challenging part than some of his previous work, underscoring the film’s commitment to exploring the grittier realities faced by its characters. Mondello’s coverage of “Ponyboi” indicates its importance as a notable independent release offering a stark contrast to the blockbuster fare.

Exploring Dystopia on the Farm

The review also touched upon a third film, one that represents yet another departure in genre and scale. This movie was characterized as a low-budget dystopian film. While the specific title was not provided in the summary of Mondello’s review, its description offers a clear picture of its thematic territory. Dystopian narratives typically explore bleak future societies, often examining themes of governmental control, environmental collapse, or societal breakdown.

What makes this particular film’s premise intriguing is its setting: it is described as being about a family farm. This combination of the expansive, often urban-centric themes of dystopia with the intimate, grounded reality of agricultural life suggests a focus on survival, self-sufficiency, and the struggle to maintain humanity and connection in a crumbling world. The “low-budget” nature implies that the film likely relies more heavily on strong writing, character development, and atmosphere rather than elaborate special effects to convey its message.

According to the review summary, this film was briefly discussed by Mondello, indicating its inclusion as part of the diverse cinematic offerings available on July 3, 2025, even if it didn’t receive the same in-depth analysis as the other two featured films.

A Diverse Offering for Audiences

In conclusion, Bob Mondello’s review for NPR, as featured by WSIU, painted a picture of a cinematic landscape on July 3, 2025, rich with variety. From the return of colossal dinosaurs in “Jurassic World Rebirth” with its blend of familiar spectacle and noted improvements (albeit still deemed ludicrous), to the intense and socially relevant “Ponyboi” exploring the life of an intersex sex worker (Gallo, they/them) amidst a steamy noir thriller featuring Dylan O’Brien as a challenging figure, to a poignant, low-budget dystopian tale set on a family farm, theaters offered a range of options to suit different tastes and interests. This snapshot of new releases underscores the dynamic nature of the film industry, presenting audiences with choices that span the spectrum from global entertainment phenomena to intimate, character-driven dramas exploring vital contemporary themes.