Jurassic World: Dominion [Movie Review]
By: Russ Matthews at Reel Dialogue
When Michael Crichton’s science-fiction novel was initially made into a motion picture, the concept was the working of a brilliant imagination.
Yet, like most of his work, extensive work was done to make re-introducing dinosaurs to modern society plausible. Then combining this ingenious fictional work with the creative genius of Steven Spielberg led to a classic film and the launching of an inevitable franchise. As we approach 30 years since Jurassic Park’s release, this series of films has finally reached an apparent conclusion.
In the four years since the demise of Isla Nublar, the world has become an atmosphere where humanity must coexist with dinosaurs. Despite being a small island of these creatures, they have become prolific. These monstrous animals have become a fascination as they show adaptability to all climates. In contrast, they have developed into a nuisance to much of humanity’s way of living.
One industry has begun to thrive in the underground movement that deals with the black market that sells these prehistoric creations to the highest bidder. Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) do their best to keep the dinosaurs from falling into the wrong hands through their conservational efforts.
Unearthing Evil Plans
During the time since the destruction of Jurassic World, the bio-tech corporation BIOSYN has become the most influential company in the world. This business is inspired by the sceince that made these dinosaurs possible and hope society sees them as the carers for these monolithic animals.
Dr. Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott) has developed a refuge for the animals to survive and a community that studies the technology behind their creation. He does all he can to show the world that they have the best intentions for humankind.
Still, some are skeptical of the organisation’s practices. Specifically, Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) who works for Biosyn as a lecturer. He does all he can to recruit doctors Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and Alan Grant (Sam Neil) to unearth the devious plans of Dodgson and his team of scientists.
Old Characters Don’t Add Much
With the success of the nostalgic journeys of Spider-man: No Way Home and Top Gun: Maverick, it should not be a surprise that this final chapter of Jurassic Park would lean into the historical element of this franchise. The original cast’s inclusion adds something that warms the heart of all of those who saw the original classic in cinemas.
Yet, unlike Maverick and Spider-man, they do not know what to do with these celebrated actors from the past. In the end, Sam Neil, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum do not add too much to the story. Unless they were brought back to be potential dinosaur food, they were relegated to running in terror throughout the majority of the film.
“Unless they were brought back to be potential dinosaur food, they were relegated to running in terror throughout the majority of the film.”
Goldblum provides most of the humorous elements within the screenplay since Chris Pratt moves into more action hero and father figure than the funny man in this episode.
The Narrative Has Run Its Course
This brings us back to the storyline of the Jurassic World trilogy. How it all feels like a fossil and the narrative feels like it has run its course.
In Crichton’s initial concept, this story of resurrecting dinosaurs all cut the edge of believability. While this latest version makes things ridiculous and pushes the limit of suspension of disbelief. The whole screenplay begs many questions, like how reptilian creatures can survive in snowy conditions. Or, how they even got to these regions of the world makes much of this a stretch to accept.
Then to relegate Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard to being concerned parents for their adopted clone daughter Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon) takes them from being charismatic action figures to, well, boring and forgettable cast members.
Watch The Whole Series!
Like the other films mentioned for thier effective use of nostalgia, it should be evident that audiences will need to see the whole franchise to understand where things are going and finishing. Yet, unless you are a fan of this series, this will be a predictable and bland endpoint to a Crichton’s original premise. Be prepared to watch humans running from dinosaurs and enough throwbacks to keep you watching for what is to come around the corner.
Still, we hope this franchise will remain dormant for some time before coming inevitably back to life in the future.
Always remember… objects in (the) mirror are closer than they appear… watch your back as you go see Jurassic World Dominion.
Reel Dialogue: Humans, not Tyrannosaurus Rex, Are the Villains of History
The whole film seems to be a warning. No surprise that the scary dinosaurs are not the villain. Instead, mankind and corporations are wicked, a brutal reality that gets unearthed throughout this franchise. As it looks back at the history of the world, there is a whisper of the story found in Genesis being portrayed. When mankind is allowed to act out against others or God for their own selfish gain, they will most likely take the darker path. Despite the overall hopelessness of this film’s message, the answer provided by the Bible does make room for a merciful conclusion to humanity’s plight.
“Hope is something that can be found despite the actions of our fellow humans.”
Hope was at the heart of the actions of many within the cinematic experience of Jurassic Park Dominion. Maybe mankind can learn from our previous mistakes. As things progressed, this misplaced hope was to be an empty dream, and each turn of this final instalment is relegated to running and screaming from dinosaurs.
Yet, for the readers of the biblical account, hope is something that can be found despite the actions of our fellow humans.
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” ~ Romans 15:4
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
Feature image: Movie Stills.
About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.
