Genre: Science Fiction / Adventure / Thriller
Running Length: 2:08
Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeff Goldblum, Ted Levine, James Cromwell, Toby Jones, Rafe Spall, Daniella Pineda, Justice Smith, Isabella Sermon, BD Wong
Director: J.A. Bayona
Screenplay: Derek Connolly & Colin Trevorrow, based on the novels by Michael Crichton
What's this movie about?
Three years after the closure of the Jurassic World theme park, the island's dormant volcano threatens to erupt and would wipe off all the remaining dinosaurs there. Claire (Bryce) and Owen (Chris) return to rescue the dinosaurs but in the process, discover a group's unlawful secret plan.
Highlights!
- The first 1/3 of the movie. One of the best opening scenes ever in the Jurassic series leading to the erupting volcano sequence, as shown in the trailer. What a ride!
- The movie direction. Director J.A. Bayona does a good job with shadows and silhouettes to create a horror-like atmosphere. He does a competent job in pushing the action forward too.
- The dinosaurs. I read that most of these dinosaurs were a mixed of animatronics + CGI. They look real and fantastic! And there is a variety of them in this outing. Ooo...the Indoraptor is one nasty predator.
- Ethics and social commentary. Although some of these themes were heavy handed, I thought it was necessary. Some of it actually got me thinking.
- The ending. Pandora's box. Wow. Enough said.
Lowlights
- Nothing we haven't seen before action scenes. It was still a thrilling ride to see screaming people running away from hunting dinosaurs but after a while, it becomes predictable (except the escape from the erupting volcano sequence). Smart nasty dino goes around hunting for frightened kids? Seen that. Evil hearted villain deservingly gets eaten up? Check.
- The performances. To be fair, they are not forgettable but just serviceable. Chris is more subdued in this sequel but still as charming as ever while Bryce has more to do this round. In fact, the interactions between the humans and dinosaurs were more believable than the human ones.
- Humanizing the dinosaurs to tug at the heartstrings. I don't remember tearing at a Jurassic film but some of the scenes were designed to manipulatively open the floodgates. Animal lovers, you've been warned!
In summary
I like how the filmmakers took the risk in this 5th installment (of the Jurassic series) to a brand new direction. Meant to be a trilogy, I have no idea where the filmmakers will take the third Jurassic World to - and that's a good thing. In my opinion, the overall Jurassic series has just been recycling itself but FALLEN KINGDOM felt fresh. This film managed to successfully mix nostalgia with a new story.
RATING: 8.5/10
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