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In 2015, fans returned to the land of genetically-engineered dinosaurs just in time to witness its destruction (yet again) in Jurassic World. But in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the dinosaurs face a new threat that’s bigger and even deadlier than Indominus rex.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom returns to Isla Nublar one more time after the long-dormant volcano in the center of the island begins to erupt, threatening the lives of the remaining dinosaurs. One of the project’s originators, Benjamin Lockwood (James Cromwell), plans to transport the dinosaurs to a safe island, where they can live in peace, and he asks Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) for help. Together with her team—including raptor trainer Owen (Chris Pratt)—Claire sets out to save the dinosaurs (this time in sensible shoes). But it soon becomes painfully obvious that the mission wasn’t what they thought it was.
In a lot of ways, this latest Jurassic movie is just like the others: it features a group of people who love dinosaurs and want to protect them getting caught in the middle of some greedy, capitalistic plot to use the dinosaurs for personal gain. There are some heartwarming moments, some laughs, a cute kid, and some blatantly sinister military types—and, of course, there’s plenty of big, noisy dinosaur action. It may be formulaic and often predicable, but it’s a formula that works—and it’s entertaining in an awake-all-night-because-of-dinosaur-nightmares kind of way.
Still, if you’re looking for another playful adventure with quirky characters and one-liners…well, this isn’t really it. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a darker Jurassic Park movie. Sure, Pratt’s Owen is still a lovable troublemaker who brings plenty of attitude and a touch of humor—just a touch. But while petrified systems analyst Franklin (Justice Smith) is supposed to add to the laughs simply by screaming like a stereotypical female character through most of the movie, his character just doesn’t really work.
The rest of the film, then, is surprisingly heavy. The inevitable destruction of the island sets the stage for a dramatic—and often emotional—story. At times, in fact, it can feel pretty grim. But, fortunately, Pratt and Howard paired with loads of prehistoric action and suspense still make it another exciting (and sometimes terrifying) installment in a beloved franchise.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom isn’t the best film in the franchise—nor is it the most fun—but it’s definitely not the worst, either. It’s simply different. And while some fans may be frustrated by the changing tone, but it’s still good for some larger-than-life summer blockbuster adventures.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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