Jurassic World Dominion Review: A Muddled Dino Mashup

Introduction

The Jurassic World Dominion arrives as the latest, and perhaps final, roar in a franchise that, much like its prehistoric subjects, consistently finds a way to resurrect itself. This sixth installment in the larger Jurassic saga, or third in the Jurassic World trilogy, draws an almost profound, if unintentional, parallel between its narrative of dinosaurs coexisting with humanity and its own persistent return to the big screen. While the original Jurassic Park masterfully blended genres into a 10/10 classic, the subsequent films have often seen a diminishing return in quality, culminating in a movie that feels less like a cohesive vision and more like two distinct films awkwardly stitched together.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

At its core, Jurassic World Dominion struggles with a dual identity. On one hand, there's the familiar duo of Chris Pratt as Owen Grady and Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing, thrust into a kidnapping plot to rescue their adopted clone daughter, Maisie (Isabella Sermon). This storyline often reduces the grand dinosaur spectacle to a mere complication in what feels like a standard abduction thriller. Yet, surprisingly, moments of genuine tension emerge, particularly when Owen is running from dinosaurs. The film manages to leverage real-world, albeit trivial, discussions around Pratt to create a fleeting sense of "will he or won't he make it?" suspense that is rarely found elsewhere.

Interspersed with this is the "old band getting back together" narrative, featuring the iconic trio of Jeff Goldblum as Ian Malcolm, Sam Neill as Alan Grant, and Laura Dern as Ellie Sattler. Their quest to expose the nefarious dealings of a corporate villain, Dodgson, feels like a separate adventure. The action sequences themselves are a mixed bag; some are brilliantly framed and intense, while others suffer from choppy editing, suggesting an inconsistent directorial hand. The film leans heavily into a "grade B monster movie" aesthetic, particularly with scenes like giant, burning bugs flying around, which, while committing to its own brand of "dip shittery," can feel more silly than thrilling.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

The return of the original cast is undoubtedly a major draw, offering a nostalgic pull for long-time fans. Seeing Ian Malcolm, Alan Grant, and Ellie Sattler reunite to tackle a new global threat provides some of the film's more enjoyable moments. However, the narrative struggles to balance this fan service with meaningful stakes. The concept that once made Jurassic Park a disaster movie masterpiece—the terrifying novelty of dinosaurs escaping—has been normalized in Jurassic World Dominion. Dinosaurs now coexist with humans, leading to black markets and a general acceptance of their presence. This shift fundamentally changes the genre, transforming what should be a high-stakes survival story into a "kidnapping movie where, oh yeah, there are dinosaurs." The disaster has become mundane, stripping away much of the inherent tension that defined the earlier films.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

The film's direction, helmed by Colin Trevorrow, often feels disjointed. The reviewer noted moments where the cinematography and action framing were brilliant, juxtaposed with other scenes that were surprisingly choppy, almost as if two different directors were at the helm. This inconsistency contributes to the overall feeling of a film that hasn't quite found its footing. The tone oscillates between serious corporate espionage and cheesy monster movie antics, never fully committing to either. While there's a late-game surge of "fun dino action" that embraces its grade-B nature, it arrives too late, feeling like a last-ditch effort in the final mile of a long, arduous journey. The creative freedom seems to have resulted in a sprawling, unfocused narrative rather than a tightly crafted adventure.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, Jurassic World Dominion is a forgettable monster movie that has lost much of what made its predecessors special. Despite the undeniable pleasure of seeing the original cast back together and a few scattered moments of genuine excitement, the film's overlong runtime, muddled plot, and normalized dinosaur threat prevent it from leaving a lasting impression. It's a film that, for many, will be forgotten almost as soon as the credits roll, a testament to a franchise that perhaps should have remained extinct.