A dino-sized sequel that should, once again, be extinct.
I thought the last sequel “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” was a terrible movie, because of how the characters had to make stupid choices and dramatic pauses, while the villains had to be the dinosaur’s main course. “Jurassic World: Dominion,” which is said to be the last film in this “World” trilogy, has one villain to devour: Dr. Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott), the CEO of a rival genetics company. If you think I spoiled that comeuppance, then you haven’t seen any of the “Jurassic Park” movies. He’s not even that good of a villain to begin with, so it wouldn’t make much of a difference.
I emphasize the words “Jurassic Park,” because the last film was described in some parts as “Jurassic World 2,” when in actuality would be “Jurassic Park 5.” So, in retrospect, “Jurassic World: Dominion” would be “Jurassic Park 6,” not “Jurassic World 3.” Although, these films are placed in two separate trilogies, so I guess people can describe these films in their own ways.
But that’s just a title concern, and I have another concern. It’s more like a question. Did anyone think that “Dominion” would close off the franchise tremendously? They bring back Laura Dern, Sam Neill, and Jeff Goldblum in their iconic roles, and they’re the best things about the film, while the rest is so dull and formulaic, that it’s impossible to care what’s going on.
This sequel takes place after the young Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon) released the dinosaurs alongside civilization, and was revealed to be the clone of the daughter of John Hammond’s friend. When she was little, she had to make the dramatic pause before she closed the dumbwaiter before the pursuing dinosaur could get her. Now that she’s a teen, she has to be the rebellious one, being raised by Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard), and hiding from the evil scientists, who want her DNA. Of course they do.
One of the deadly creatures the movie has to thrill audiences are one of the ten biblical plagues: locusts. But these are no ordinary locust. They have the DNA to wipe out our food supply, unless Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong) can alter them. But this story makes no sense at all, and has to be overshadowed by the bigger creatures.
“Jurassic World? Not a fan,” says former mathematician Dr. Ian Malcolm (Goldblum), who returns along with paleobotanist Ellie Sattler (Dern) and paleontologist Alan Grant (Neill). They all end up with the kidnapped Maisie, while Owen and Claire team up with former Air Force pilot Kayla Watts (DeWanda Wise from “Fatherhood” and “The Harder They Fall”) to find and rescue her. That’s when old school meets new school.
It’s laughable when the dinosaurs are roaming the streets and a guy on a scooter immediately gets devoured by one, especially the CGI effects. And I did laugh when Ian is surprised that Owen is carrying a baby dinosaur. Was this sequel supposed to be laughable? Maybe in a sense, I don’t know.
All I know is that “Jurassic World: Dominion” is obviously going to be a big hit at the box office. It wouldn’t make much of a difference if I did warn you about the boredom and idiocy that emerges within.
Now I think Pratt and Howard are both fine talents, but they’re easily wasted with the adoptive daughter story cliches. Howard had to look sad with her blue eyes, while Pratt lacks style or adventure. They both have to preside over chases and effects and so forth.
It’s great to see Dern, Neill, and Goldblum together again, but this sequel fails to do anything special with them. If you want a sequel that loves the original, then “Top Gun: Maverick” is the one for you. Everyone I’ve talked to about it has loved it as much as I did. The same won’t be said about “Dominion.”
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