Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Review: Volcanoes, Velociraptors, and Villainous Corporations

Introduction

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom roared into theaters as the fifth installment in the storied dinosaur franchise, promising a return to Isla Nublar for a desperate rescue mission. With a volcano threatening to wipe out the remaining prehistoric inhabitants, audiences anticipated a high-stakes adventure. The premise was clear: get the dinosaurs off the island before it's too late. Yet, the justification for bringing back fan-favorites Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard felt a touch flimsy, relying on their past roles rather than truly compelling narrative reasons.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

The film truly shines in its opening and closing acts. The first act, set entirely on the doomed Isla Nublar, delivers intense, destructive spectacle. While some moments stretch credulity—like a human keeping pace with an ash cloud—the sheer scale of the island's demise is undeniably entertaining. There are genuine "monster movie" thrills, particularly in sequences where a dinosaur's presence is hinted at with flashes of light in the darkness, building suspense effectively before the reveal. The third act recaptures this momentum, plunging into a series of chase sequences that, while reminiscent of classic Jurassic Park moments—think raptors hunting through kitchens—still provide the visceral excitement audiences crave. The film understands its core appeal: dinosaurs causing chaos, and it delivers on that front, especially when the action is allowed to take center stage.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom attempts to deepen its narrative by exploring the moral dilemma of these creatures. It strives to portray dinosaurs not merely as monsters, but as animals, a concept often discussed but rarely shown with such conviction in previous entries. This commitment to a more nuanced view of its prehistoric stars is a welcome, if not always perfectly executed, addition. However, the film's handling of its supporting cast and cameos leaves much to be desired. Jeff Goldblum's return as Ian Malcolm is fleeting, almost an afterthought, with the reviewer noting that 90% of his screen time was already in the trailers. Furthermore, the new supporting characters, including Rafe Spall, Justice Smith, and Daniella Pineda, feel largely inconsequential, serving little purpose beyond advancing the plot in rudimentary ways. Their absence, it's argued, would barely alter the film's overall impact.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

Director J. A. Bayona brings a distinct visual flair, particularly in the more suspenseful, gothic-tinged sequences of the third act. However, the film's pacing suffers significantly in its second act. Once the action leaves the island, the narrative slams on the brakes, devolving into a more conventional "maniacal company doing villainous things" plotline. This shift drains much of the momentum built during the explosive first act, transforming what began as a thrilling escape into a slower, less engaging affair. Despite this dip, the film earns points for its sheer audacity, particularly the "ballsy" decision to completely destroy Isla Nublar, a move that fundamentally alters the landscape of the franchise.

The Final Verdict

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom isn't a groundbreaking entry, nor does it recapture the magic of the original Jurassic Park. It stands as a step down from its immediate predecessor, Jurassic World, primarily due to its significant pacing issues in the middle section. Yet, it's far from a terrible film. It delivers on its promise of dinosaur destruction and monster movie thrills, especially in its bookending acts. While it struggles to be the fulfilling monster movie it aspires to be, it still offers a fun, albeit flawed, time for those willing to overlook its narrative stumbles. Consider it a party movie, best enjoyed with a relaxed mindset.