Ark: The Animated Series Delivers the Reboot Jurassic World Needs

Ark: The Animated Series captures the exhilaration of warriors battling dinosaurs, surpassing the visual spectacle of the Jurassic World trilogy. With a talented cast, stunning visuals, and thrilling action sequences, this show immerses viewers in a world where humans and dinosaurs collide across time.

Ark: The Animated Series Delivers the Reboot Jurassic World Needs

Ark: The Animated Series captures the exhilaration of warriors battling dinosaurs, surpassing the visual spectacle of the Jurassic World trilogy. With a talented cast, stunning visuals, and thrilling action sequences, this show immerses viewers in a world where humans and dinosaurs collide across time.

The long-awaited adaptation of the popular video game Ark: Survival Evolved has finally arrived in the form of Ark: The Animated Series. This thrilling new show, now available on Paramount+, takes viewers on a wild ride through time, where Australian paleontologist Helena Walker, played by Madeleine Madden, finds herself alongside a living, breathing dodo and a man claiming to have stormed Normandy.

From the very beginning, it is clear that these characters have stumbled upon an extraordinary island, known as the ‘ark,’ where prehistoric creatures and humans from various eras coexist. While the purpose of the island remains unknown, the first six episodes of the series, which dropped on Paramount+ last week, showcase a captivating blend of 2010’s Predators and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.

Captivating Blend of Warriors and Dinosaurs

Ark: The Animated Series excels in capturing the exhilaration of warriors from different historical periods engaging in battles with, or alongside, dinosaurs. The show’s creators, much like in Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, take full advantage of the awe-inspiring creatures, surpassing the visual spectacle of the Jurassic World trilogy. From dinosaurs unleashed in arenas to fight prisoners, to Brachiosauruses carrying entire armies, and velociraptors and stegosauruses serving as mounts, the series maximizes the potential of its prehistoric inhabitants.

The concept of the show lends itself to numerous thrilling moments that sustain a six-episode arc, focusing on Helena and her newfound allies’ resistance against the Roman despot Gaius Marcellus Nerva, portrayed by Gerard Butler. However, while the story may not be groundbreaking, it centers around Helena’s aversion to violence and her struggle to reconcile the horrors she witnesses on the ark. This aspect provides depth to her character and allows viewers to empathize with her journey.

Impressive Cast and Stunning Visuals

One of Ark: The Animated Series’ greatest assets is its impressive cast, which includes renowned actors such as Michelle Yeoh, Russell Crowe, and Vin Diesel, alongside Gerard Butler. Although hearing these recognizable voices in such an outlandish setting can be slightly distracting, actors like David Tennant and Jeffrey Wright seamlessly blend into their characters, while Yeoh and Butler’s unmistakable voices remind us of their star power.

Visually, Ark is a remarkable production that boasts a distinct style, characterized by vibrant creature designs inspired by Ark II. Director Jay Oliva, known for his work on various DC animated movies, and his animation studio Lex and Otis, bring a blockbuster-quality look to the series. The fluid action choreography showcases a range of fighting styles from different eras and cultures, further enhancing the show’s visual appeal.

Smooth Transition from Game to TV Show

The involvement of Ark: Survival Evolved creators Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak ensures a smooth transition from game to TV show. Their intimate knowledge of the world and characters allows them to deliver new and enjoyable stories within this fantastical setting. While Ark: The Animated Series may not reinvent the wheel, it effectively utilizes the game’s concepts and characters to provide an entertaining and action-packed season of television.

In addition to the impressive visuals, the show benefits from the return of composer Gareth Coker, who scored the games. His operatic sound captures the emotions and intensity of the individual stories, as well as the otherworldly atmosphere of the ark and its inhabitants. The music adds an enthralling layer to the series, creating a familiar yet captivating experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ark: The Animated Series delivers the reboot that Jurassic World enthusiasts have been longing for. This action-packed show, featuring a diverse cast, stunning visuals, and thrilling action sequences, immerses viewers in a world where humans and dinosaurs collide across time. While the story may not break new ground, the series successfully translates the essence of the beloved video game into an entertaining and visually impressive animated adventure.