Jurassic World Dominion
A lot has happened since 1994 when Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster first hit screens and revolutionised cinema. Since the first entry in the franchise, Jurassic Park has tried to recreate the shock and awe of the moment the water ripples appear, and the T-Rex first escapes its enclosure. Eighteen years later, this has still not been achieved despite throwing everything into this latest series in the saga – Jurassic World Dominion.
After a five minute documentary-style introduction laden with exposition and a sweeping recount of characters that are recognisable (if not memorable), it takes this film some time to hit its strides. Dinosaurs are living with humans now – this is canon – and is a significant development to the story. The film does not focus on this however, and instead reaches deep into its nostalgic pockets for an adventurous tale, to an exotic location, to avoid more dinosaurs.
The nostalgia works. There is something pleasant about seeing Sam Neil and Laura Dern reunited on the silver screen – this is only elevated by the appearance of Jeff Goldblum who carries the film into (and throughout) its third act. Lewis Dodgson reprises his ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ role from the original film in a memorable manner, and BD Wong portrays his character, Henry Wu, with perhaps the most hear and depth in the franchise’s history.
This film is good fun, and entertaining with some great chase scenes and nostalgic moments. Don’t expect too much, don’t expect it to hold up against the original, and you will be pleasantly surprised.