JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM (Malaysia, 07 Jun 2018)

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

JURASSIC WORLD (2015)

Genre: Science Fiction/Adventure
Running Length: 2:04
Cast:  Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Screenplay:  Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Colin Trevorrow & Derek Connolly, based on the novels by Michael Crichton

I was expecting JURASSIC WORLD to be another soulless CGI fest, but I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Sure, it wasn't able to recapture the awe and magic of the original but that's actually a very tall order, isn't it? Even Spielberg himself couldn't pull it off in The Lost World. Although it's directed by a relatively newcomer (Trevorrow has only done one small movie before), he did really well here. It follows quite closely to the pattern of Jurassic Park; where the first 1/3 of the movie takes its time to establish its characters, the park and our "hero" dinosaur while the remaining of the film is dedicated to carnage and great action scenes. To be fair, it's not really a bad thing as it feels like an updated version for today's generation, but yet keeping the heart of the original intact (And speaking of heart, there is a moving scene which involved an interaction between man and dinosaur, that reminded me not to peel onions in the cinema).  In fact, this film is almost like a homage of sorts where all our favourite dinosaurs are back and even John Williams' iconic theme is fully embraced here too by composer Michael Giacchino. I actually like what he did with the subdued interpretations of the original score when it was used at appropriate scenes. And speaking of action, thankfully there is a sense of inherent danger and thrill in the dinosaur attack scenes but it doesn't come close to the memorable Raptors in the kitchen or T-Rex in the rain from the original. As for our actors, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard here are dependable with the former fairing better with his charisma, humour and caring heart all wrapped up in a rugged and imposing physique (ladies...awww~). Pratt is truly a legit and mega-star in the making. Overall, although the climax comes across as too neat and convenient, this sequel/soft reboot is a solid piece of entertainment. (Oh! And see if you can catch the little social commentary "wink at the audience" satirical jab at movie sequels needing to be bigger, badder and have more corporate sponsorships)

Rating: 8/10