Movie Review: ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’

 
WARNING SPOILERS!!!
 
This weekend I stood in a line that almost completely wrapped around the theater to see Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. While I danced with excitement (literally) I looked around to see so many different generations of fans waiting to watch the film. It was heartwarming to see parents and kids, and even grandparents there rocking their dino themed gear.
Let’s be honest, there are a few things we all expect from the Jurassic franchise, action, drama, and a whole lot of dinosaurs (the best part in my opinion), but the first part of Fallen Kingdom offered something else, heartbreak. As that island went up in smoke, ash, and lava, it took so many creatures with it. As the boat with those few saved sailed away we witnessed what might the most heartbreaking scene I have seen in a film in years, the island and animals being swallowed up.
 

 
Just before Claire and Owen snuck onto the boat they learned they weren’t sent to those they could, they were lied to and sent to retrieve select ones that the villain Eli Mills (Rafe Spall) wants to auction off. After arriving on the boat Owen (Chris Patt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) find Blue and Zia (a member of their team) and soon they set out to save his beloved raptor, shot by one of Elis’ men. But there’s only one problem, they need to retrieve blood from a T-Rex to give Blue a transfusion. Soon the boat lands, but Claire and Owen find themselves prisoners of Eli at the Lockwood mansion.
Another story has been taking shape, Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon) has learned that her grandfather’s associate Elis is up to no good. While her grandfather (James Cromwell) wants to save the dinosaurs and move them to a new island, Elis has other plans. Massie, whose mother died when she was a baby, is a tough little thing, and she’s much more than meets the eye. When her grandfather passes away, courtesy of Eli, the girl is left as the only heir and Elis intends on using that to his benefit.
After Claire and Owen escape their cell with the help of a Pachycephalosaurus, they find Massie and discover that not only has Eli stolen the dinosaurs for profit, he has created something new, something terrifying, the Indoraptor. Remeber the Indominus Rex? Well, make it smaller, add a bit of Spinosaurus and that’s what you get. Oh, did I mention it’s trained to attack by laser and sound? It’s big, bad, fast, and ugly. It’s exactly what a new film for the franchise needs. And it may just stalk your nightmares.
Now, there’s a big problem downstairs. A damaged container is leaking poisonous gas into the level with the remaining dinos. When Claire is left with the decision to free the animals or let them die, she chooses to turn away and let them die. Luckily, Maisie steps in and frees them all, sending them scattering in all directions. I knew I liked that kid.
Now everything is set up for the next film, with dinos and people having to co-exist. There’s one more thing, Dr. Lockwood and his partner Dr. Hammond, who we meet in Jurassic Park, not only played god with dinosaurs, they cloned Lockwood’s daughter, creating Maise. That’s right, she’s a clone! When it comes to multiple plot twists Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom has plenty.
As always the special effects were absolutely amazing! I mean, come on, they had me crying over fake dinosaurs. When it comes to special effects the Jurassic franchise is known for its amazing combination of practical and CGI effects that drove the industry to new heights and to make mind-blowing innovations.
It’s normal for there to be a ton of action in Jurassic films, but I have to say this one goes above and beyond. The action never stopped. Between Claire and Owen trying to escape the volcano alongside stampeding dinos, the race to save Blue, and the chaos of the mansion, it was insane. I was on the edge of my seat the entire film.
Let’s be honest, Chris Pratt should be considered a real action hero at this point in his career. The man is amazing. In the scenes where he interacted with Blue, he showed so many emotions, all while trying to save lives and kick ass. I’m just putting this out there but I’d love to see him play a certain professor/adventurer who carries a whip.
 

 
While Bryce Dallas Howard is always good, I have to say when it comes to actresses in this movie, Isabella Sermon comes out on top. I mean, for an actress her age (or any age) she was absolutely brilliant. The way she handles herself in the film and her emotional portrayal of a young girl whose life is crumbling faster than an egg under a T-Rex’s foot is beyond impressive. This kid’s got the goods. I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot from her in the future. When Sermon’s Maisie cries you feel it, when she’s terrified you believe it. There is so much talent packed in such a small package.
 

 
As for director J.A. Bayona, the man made an amazing film that will be talked about for generations. This sequel has so much heart. Fallen Kingdom has more emotion than any film of the franchise to date which pulls you in even deeper, and for that, I’d like to say thank you and bravo to Mr. Bayona. It truly took the movie experience to an all new level.
Time for my film score. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom gets…drum roll… five out of five! It’s impressive as hell and reminds me why I fell in love with the franchise to begin with. It’s Everything I had hoped for and more!
Go see Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom in theaters now, from Universal Pictures!