SEA REX 3D

We all know human life began in the ocean … but how much do you know about the kind of fearsome creatures our ancestors shared the depths with many millions of years ago?

Sea Rex 3D is a brief and light-hearted dip into the climate, life-forms, impact and history of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods. Focusing firmly on the sea-dwelling reptiles – the discovery of which pre-dated that of a land-dwelling dinosaur – Sea Rex 3D rather bizarrely does so by re-animating the ‘father of palaeontology,’ Georges Cuvier. Cuvier’s ‘ghost’ accompanies a young woman, Julie, around an aquarium, as she asks questions and makes comparisons between then-and-now ocean-life. This hokey, awkward and somewhat patronising element rather ruins what is otherwise a clever, informative and pretty eye-boggling 3D documentary. It’s clear filmmakers Pascal Vuong and Ronan Chapalain were trying to do something different while also making the subject matter relatable and contextual – but unfortunately, they’ve underestimated their viewers in the bargain. Still, if sea rexes really bite your interest, this is a decent place to start. (AB) **1/2