Jurassic World: Dominion – A Review

Jurassic World: Dominion, the sixth installment in the Jurassic Park franchise, promised a thrilling culmination of the Jurassic World trilogy, merging the storylines of the original films with the new. While it delivers on spectacle and nostalgia, the film ultimately falls short of its potential, offering a somewhat disjointed and convoluted narrative.

The film picks up years after Fallen Kingdom, with dinosaurs now roaming freely across the globe, disrupting ecosystems and challenging humanity’s dominance. Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) and Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) are living off the grid, protecting Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon), a genetically engineered clone whose unique DNA makes her a target. Simultaneously, a massive locust plague threatens global food supplies, leading Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) to seek out Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) to investigate the BioSyn corporation, suspected of being behind the crisis.

The interweaving of these two storylines, while ambitious, feels forced and underdeveloped. The locust plague, initially presented as a major threat, is ultimately resolved somewhat anticlimactically. The reunion of the original trio is a highlight, providing moments of genuine chemistry and nostalgic charm. Their investigation into BioSyn, led by the enigmatic Dr. Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott), is reminiscent of the corporate intrigue that defined the original Jurassic Park, but lacks the same level of suspense and impact.

Visually, Dominion is stunning. The dinosaurs are brought to life with impressive CGI, and the action sequences are intense and thrilling. However, the sheer volume of dinosaurs and action sometimes overshadows the story and character development. Many dinosaur species are introduced, but their presence feels more like fan service than integral to the plot.

The performances are generally solid, with Pratt and Howard reprising their roles with enthusiasm. The return of Dern, Neill, and Goldblum is a welcome addition, but their characters are often relegated to exposition and supporting roles, preventing them from fully realizing their potential. Sermon’s Maisie Lockwood is a more compelling character, grappling with her identity and purpose in a world grappling with its own changing landscape.

Ultimately, Jurassic World: Dominion is a mixed bag. It delivers on the promise of dinosaurs running wild in the modern world, offering thrilling action and stunning visuals. The reunion of the original cast is a nostalgic treat for fans. However, the convoluted plot, underdeveloped characters, and ultimately unsatisfying resolution leave the film feeling less like a triumphant conclusion and more like a missed opportunity. While entertaining, it lacks the thematic depth and narrative coherence that made the original Jurassic Park so iconic.