'JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION' (2022) REVIEW
Critics have said the franchise has run its course, giving the latest addition to the series a low score of 30% on Rotten Tomatoes. These days, there seems to be a big difference between the critics score and the audience score for 'Jurassic World: Dominion'. I seem to side with the general public, giving the film a high score of 77 out of 100 on Rotten Tomatoes.
After the release of the sequel to 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' (2018), I was excited to see this film like how I was excited to see 'Fallen Kingdom' after the first film. After the endings, my immediate thought would always be "now I have to wait another 4 years to watch the next one". I only forgive the long wait so they can focus on making the dinosaurs look visually appealing and work on a good plot that is not rushed just to generate money like the 'Star Wars' sequel trilogy. Though many people have had enough with the franchise, my love for palaeontology and dinosaur films makes my opinions on the last two films excessively biased. 'Jurassic Park' (1993) was one of those stories that introduced me to the world of films and what I consider to be one of the best films ever made. The standards have been raised for all the films that comes after, that is why I do not critic the Jurassic World series harshly. They are, the very least, entertaining dinosaur movies.
I was thrilled to see Jeff Goldblum return for a cameo in the sequel but when it was announced that the original trio (Sam Neill as 'Alan Grant', Laura Dern as 'Ellie Sattler' and Jeff Goldblum as 'Ian Malcolm') will return for the finale, my need to keep up to date with every new detail about the film was necessary. Whether it was for fan service or to connect the original trilogy to the sequel trilogy, I was happy either way.
I was excited to see a world where humans and dinosaurs are forced to co-exist because if the previous five films proved anything, it is that humans cannot keep dinosaurs contained. There has been a dinosaur escaping a cage in every single film. However, Universal released short films and a prequel before the release date of 'Dominion' which covered pretty much the co-existence aspect that I was hoping to slowly uncover in the film. So what is the last film about?
It does a good job at introducing new dinosaurs and more accurately, showcasing dinosaurs with feathers, such as the Therizinosaurus and the Pyroraptor. It is a shame that we did not get to see these dinosaurs in the series prior 'Dominion' because the CGI look amazing. I have seen a lot of comments from fans criticising the visuals of the dinosaurs; the inaccuracy of the way they look and I can say I used to think like this. One of the most misunderstood parts of this franchise is the accuracy of dinosaurs. A lot of criticism is towards the fact that dinosaurs in REAL LIFE would not look like how they are in the films. They look meaner and almost monsters made for film. What we are missing is the fact that these dinosaurs are not supposed to be accurate in terms of features because then you would just be watching a documentary. There are many aspects of Jurassic World that seems to be far-fetched but that is the beauty of storytelling in film. Everything is over dramatic for effect and for thrills. 'Jurassic World' focuses on making the dinosaurs look thrilling with excessive details to eyes and teeth. The CGI actually looks seamless and blends in well for me to focus on the story rather than pointing out what looks CGI.
The film is separated by two parts; one with the main cast and another with the original cast. I like that each plots come together towards the middle of the film connected by the character 'Maisie'. The film, in brief, is Owen and Claire on a rescue mission; to save Maisie and Blue's offspring (a velociraptor). The narrative highlights the relationship between parents and their child, from perspectives of both species. Whilst Owen and Claire are saving Maisie from an experiment conducted by the antagonists, the evil genetics research company Biosyn - led by returning character, Lewis Dodgson. The duo is accompanied by new cast member 'Kayla Watts' whose sole purpose is to pilot a plane to Biosyn's location.
On the other side of the country, Ian Malcolm recruits palaeontologist, Alan Grant, and paleobatonist, Ellie Sattler, to uncover the truth behind Biosyn and their involvement to the massive surge of locusts that are ruining crops. I do think the focus on locusts overshadowed and became the main plot instead of the dinosaurs. Though the film felt jam-packed with too many storylines and action, director Colin Trevorrow manages to intertwine the multiple plot points and tie in all loose ends.
The film is, overall, rewatchable if you love seeing dinosaurs in action. None of the Jurassic Park sequels could ever top the original film but they can be appreciated for what they are. Jurassic Park showcases dinosaurs for our own imagination and entertainment; envisioning dinosaurs on exotic land and beg question - "what would life be if dinosaurs roamed the earth in today's day and age?" The Jurassic Park series allowed filmmakers to make practical and visual effects come to life and the World series enhanced the use of CGI and digital effects. There is a lot that can be taught about ILM and their impact in the film industry through series like Jurassic Park.
IMDb rating: 5.7/10
My rating: 6.9/10
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I have already written a review for 'Fallen Kingdom': 'JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM' (2018) REVIEW about four years ago and wanted to do another review on the latest film that also happens to be the final chapter in the Jurassic Park series of films. 🎞 30 years of Jurassic Park! 😲
Sabina 🦁
