Is the franchise’s final film really the blockbuster it was promised to be?
Fans were first introduced to the dinosaur-filled Jurassic Park in 1993. Now almost 30 years later, many have hit the theatres again, knowing that this is the last time they’ll see these creatures on the big screen. And with a film that’s set to bring the Jurassic era to an end, the pressure to meet the audience’s high expectations is definitely on. But does Jurassic World Dominion deliver the satisfactory conclusion much desired for the film franchise?
Following the events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the new movie is set four years later. Dinosaurs have spread all around the world, giving humans no other option but to coexist, proving the truth behind Dr. Ian Malcolm’s (Jeff Goldblum) foreshadowed neo-Jurassic age, or ‘new era’ in the previous film. However, as interesting as it would have been to explore this new relationship between humankind and million-year-old creatures in the real world and not on secluded islands, the film instead focuses on two other plot lines.
The first allows the audience to visit an illicit dinosaur black market, giving them a tiny glimpse of how a city filled with dinosaurs operates. The second and much more emphasized plot line focuses on a genetic modification project gone wrong… because what Jurassic Park movie doesn’t have overly ambitious scientists that end up threatening life as we know it?! Fortunately, it is this project that leads to the reunion all Jurassic Park superfans dream of.
Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and of course, Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), the heroes of the classic film, all reunite with the goal of taking down the evil billionaire funding this disaster of a project. It is on their journey that they meet the heroes of the newer film series Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard), and the unforgettable Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon). Together they will find the answer to the question asked throughout the Jurassic Park series. Can humans live alongside dinosaurs?
An Unmissable Yet Can Be Missed Event
If you’re the type to scour the internet for reviews before entering any movie or reading any book, then you might have discovered that Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic World Dominion has stirred up a lot of mixed reactions. Some have described it as soulless, while others have called it a spectacle. Let’s dive into why there is such a range of reviews.
If you’ve been following the franchise since Steven Spielberg’s 1993 Jurassic Park, you’ll enjoy the countless connections to the classic. While some references only true fans will recognize, others are more obvious. That includes the reintroduction of Lewis Dodgson, CEO of Biosyn Corporation and established villain of the film series. Another staple in all Jurassic Park films is the usually anticipated dinosaur fight. And as we all know, the T-rex always wins. Having the new film pay these small tributes to the original makes it easier for the audience to say goodbye to the beloved franchise as they experience a full-circle moment.
Another great aspect of the film is the characters. That includes both the old and the new. While the movie series can never be placed under the romance genre, many found the chemistry between Alan and Ellie exciting, and older fans finally got to see the duo come together again. But if you haven’t watched the original series, worry not as you’ll still find yourself rooting for these two characters and the undeniable spark between them. Moreover, viewers get introduced to maverick pilot Kayla Watts (DeWanda Wise) and Dodgson’s assistant Ramsey Cole (Mamoudou Athie). These two new characters definitely steal the show.
And now, for the film geeks, let’s gush about some of the cinematic shots the film delivers, allowing the spotlight to land on the film’s true stars — the dinosaurs. Whether it’s reminding the viewers of the creatures’ prehistoric past or showing their beauty and evolution, the movie does have some great scenes that can be surprisingly emotional. The film also captures a lot of near-death moments, making it clear to the audience that the dinosaurs are in fact the ones with dominion.
But then why are there so many negative reviews? Well, some found the movie’s plot quite repetitive and pointless as the world audiences were introduced to in the beginning was very similar to the one they see at the end. The film has also been criticized for being too predictable, following a storyline much like the others in the series.
So, should you watch this film? If all you want is to spend two and a half hours engrossed in an entertaining, action-packed, and at moments, horror-like film, then I would say yes. While the plot might be a tad unoriginal, you’ll find yourself sticking around for the iconic trio of the first Jurassic Park series, just as you’ll quickly bond with the newer characters.
Photo: Universal Studio
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