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Archives for : Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Movie Review: “Jurassic World: Dominion” is an Overambitious Mess

We’ve come a long way since the first “Jurassic Park” (1993). And by that, I mean we’ve gone down, WAY down. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two Jurassic Park movies. I didn’t mind the forgettable third film, but it wasn’t good.

Then, director Colin Trevorrow decided to reboot the franchise with a film about what would have happened if the park actually opened, and it was a promising start. “Jurassic World” had a simple plot, it was relevant, and a whole lot of fun. However, that slight spike plummeted after the tragedy that was “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”, and now has officially crashed after the unfortunate end to this trilogy.

“Jurassic World Dominion” had all the potential with the return of original cast and the idea of what happens now that the dinosaurs from the park are out in the real world living among us. But somehow, they managed to take that potential and squander it with a convoluted plot, redundant dinosaur scares, and forced, corny dialogue.

In “Jurassic World Dominion”, we are seeing the effect of dinosaurs being part of our world.  There are basically two stories going on; one follows Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) and Owen (Chris Pratt) as they try to protect their sort of daughter, Maisie (Isabella Sermon), from those who want to study her genetic make-up. All the while, Ellie (Laura Dern), Alan (Sam Neill), and Ian (Jeff Goldblum) unite to investigate the shady dealings at BioSyn which is now run by another Jurassic Park character, Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott). Genetic experimentation done by BioSyn has created an “ecological disaster” that might destroy the world’s food chain.

I’m not sure how much the plot matters here. Trevorrow clearly just wanted a reason to show off the dinosaurs and provide enough nostalgia for fan service.

It seems Trevorrow bit off more than he can chew. He had all the key ingredients to serve up a satisfying conclusion, but somehow, he didn’t create the right recipe. Though I’m sure he put a lot of effort into this script, he missed a huge opportunity to better connect the original characters with the new ones; and failed to deliver a screenplay that had us invested in them. Any sort of “development” is rushed, and the emotions that are supposed to feel impactful are never earned. The cast and this franchise deserved so much more from this “grand” finale.

Though “Jurassic World Dominion” isn’t a roaring success, it does rumble out some joy. Jeff Goldblum as Ian Malcom is hilarious. The man is effortlessly entertaining. And of course, the dinosaurs! The kid in me still enjoys seeing the different dinos running around and terrorizing on screen. But I don’t think this morsel of fun justifies the two and half hours of chaos and confusion.

The only takeaway from “Jurassic World Dominion” is that the franchise is ready for extinction.

Rating: D+

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You can also watch my ICTN review of the film along my thoughts of “Ozark” Season 4 in the video below!

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Top 10 Best Films of 2018

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10. Searching

I admit, the trailer makes this film seem like a well produced Lifetime movie. But if you actually watched it, you’ll uncover a surprisingly great mystery, thriller! The beginning is essentially a live-action adaptation of the first 5 minutes of Up. The story is told through a computer screen bouncing around different platforms, from Facebook to FaceTime. Emotions are conveyed from all kinds of computer movements, even a conflicted mouse cursor.  Searching is so brilliantly executed and is furthered by its well-rounded cast.

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9. Crazy Rich Asians

Who knew that when Warner Bros acquired Crazy Rich Asians they were producing one of the most talked about films of the year! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the romantic comedies are sadly dying. Rarely are any seeing the light of the big screen, but films like last year’s The Big Sick and Crazy Rich Asians are reviving the genre. And, thank God for it. Something as simple as taking a formula we’ve already seen, but through the eyes of a different culture makes the story fresh. And it doesn’t hurt that we’re getting to see elaborate, colorful parties and the most beautiful wedding scene. Crazy Rich Asians is both visually and emotionally captivating.‬

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8. Beautiful Boy

Steve Carell and Timothee Chalamet excellently play real life father/son, David and Nic Sheff. Their relationship starts off as an admirable one. They are close and truly care for each other. Which is why it is so hard to watch Nic’s addiction to crystal meth. Never have I seen and felt the pain parents must feel when all they want and try to do is help their child in need. But ultimately, they are enabling their problem. It’s gut-wrenching when you have to come to terms with the fact that you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves. Carell does a fine job, but it’s Chalamet who gives his best performance yet.  Quite possibly an Oscar worthy one?

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7. Tully

Tully has stayed with me ever since I watched it back in May. It wasn’t what I expected at all and you have to power through a very uncomfortable scene. But once you get to the end, it will all be worth it. Charlize Theron plays a mother of 3 who hires a night nanny (MacKenzie Davis). In case you don’t know what that is; it’s a baby sister that comes to your house in the middle of the night and allows you to sleep while she watches your baby until the morning. I’d prefer to not reveal anymore about the film, but just know it’s a good one. Tully will leave you appreciating all the efforts moms go through everyday, and understanding why any bit of help can go a long way.

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6. BlacKkKlansman

So, I did not know this actually happened! Ron Stallworth (played by John David Washington) was an African American police officer, who successfully managed to infiltrate a local Ku Klux Klan branch with the help of a Jewish surrogate (Adam Driver) who eventually became the group’s leader. It’s an incredible and mind blowing story that is unfortunately relevant to today. Just wait for that ending. Though the film tackles a serious subject, they sprinkle a lot of laughs along the way. Not only is BlacKkKlansman a good movie, it truly is a film EVERYONE should see.

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5. Avengers: Infinity War

Back in 2012 when the first Avengers film came out, I was blown away by the merging of all these superheroes in one movie. It was the greatest thing ever, because Marvel knew how to develop characters and make us care about each of the superheroes on screen; while also hooking us into an entertaining story-line. Since then, they have continued to keep us enthralled with stand alone Avenger films and sequels. Finally leading up to what we’ve all been waiting for, the show down with Thanos! With even more characters to follow, Marvel handled Infinity War perfectly. Giving our heroes and villains the right balance of screen time, and also providing audiences with an original premise. Our villain doesn’t want to destroy the world, he actually wants to save it. Unfortunately, his plan requires wiping out half of everyone on earth. Infinity War is filled with emotion, thrilling action, and a haunting cliff-hanger.

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4. Love, Simon

Remember that talk about reviving romantic comedies?  Well, Love, Simon is also another great example of just that. It’s a fun and surprisingly deep film that sets a new standard for the teen romantic comedy genre, while also breaking new ground in its portrayal of coming out. A film like this one is long overdue, but better late than never.   The movie is elevated by its strong cast and beautifully written script. From High School crushes to fears of being your true self,  Love, Simon is relatable on so many levels. And prepare for an inspiring monologue by Jennifer Garner that will move you to tears.

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3. Green Book

This true story will warm everyone’s heart! I cried at the end because I was so happy over what I had just seen. Green Book follows an Italian-American bouncer (Viggo Mortensen) whose been hired to chauffeur and protect and African-American classical pianist (Mahershala Ali) on a tour through the deep South in the 1960s. Mortensen’s performance is my favorite of the year. He and Ali are a dynamic duo, sharing wonderful on-screen chemistry. Though this is a film about it’s characters, there is still an engaging story about a beautiful friendship.

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2. Black Panther

Seeing Black Panther for the first time this past February was a true cinematic experience. When we first met Chadwick Boseman’s character, T’Challa, in the Civil War, he was seeking revenge for his father’s death. In Black Panther, T’Challa returns as the new king of the secretive and technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda.  But the mysterious Erik Killmonger (superbly played by Michael B. Jordan),threatens Wakanda when he challenges T’Challa’s title as King. Black Panther remains intriguing from start to finish with its heart-pounding action sequences and its socially relevant, complex narrative. It explores issues of power and privilege, as Wakanda is torn about whether or not they should share its technological advances and risk having it fall into the wrong hands.

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1. A Quiet Place

I rarely ever call movies “perfect”. But this is a perfect film in the sense that I wouldn’t change a thing about it. John Krasniski’s passion project, in which he directed, wrote and starred in, is about a family’s fight for survival from alien-like monsters with a keen sense of hearing. Such a simple premise is crafted into an original, genuinely horrifying thriller. The film forces audiences to BE SILENT, as this is an excruciatingly quiet movie. It will essentially have you holding your breath until the very end. You are left thinking about A Quiet Place long after the film is over.

The Rest of the Films that Deserve Recognition:

11. A Star is Born
12. Instant Family
13. Boy Erased
14. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
15. The Oath
16. Isle of Dogs
17. Eighth Grade
18. Deadpool 2
19. Aquaman
20. Creed 2

Top 5 Worst Films of 2018

5. The Nun- So much potential, but falls so flat.

4. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom- How dare you put us through this movie and the death of that Brachiosaurus!

3. Pacific Rim: Uprising- I had forgotten I watched this movie.  It’s too bad I couldn’t keep it that way.

2. Venom- Turns out to be a comedy with no laughs.

1. The 15:17 to Paris- WTF happened here!?

Trevor’s Top 10

Honorable Mention: Creed 2
10. Beautiful Boy
9. Sicario: Day of the Dead
8. BlacKkKlansman
7. Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse
6. Avengers: Infinity War
5. A Quiet Place
4. Tully
3. Boy Erased
2. Black Panther
1. Green Book

Movie Review: “Ant Man and the Wasp” and “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”

This summer is a movie Marvel. Now, following the trauma of Avengers: Infinity War, the Marvel teams give us a much needed bit of comic relief with “Ant Man and the Wasp”. Here’s my ICTN review of the film and the latest installment in the Jurassic line, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.”

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Movie Review: “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” Fails its Predecessor

Jurassic World was everything we had been waiting for since the first Jurassic Park was released in 1993. The park was opened and running smoothly. It was also set in some attractive green scenery. Of course, one day everything goes wrong when a wild test subject is let loose and the whole park falls apart! A simple premise with so much entertainment. Now what happened to that kind of writing with this sequel?

Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom starts off okay enough. It’s been three years since the tragic incident and the Jurassic World theme park is no more. But now an impending volcanic eruption on the island will wipe out the existing dinosaurs and render them extinct once again. The question is do we save the dinosaurs and bring them to the states, or do we let them die? For Dr. Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), the decision is easy. Let the dinosaurs die and save humanity from a potential life-threatening attack. However, previous park staffer, Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) still feels a connection to the dinosaurs and jumps at the opportunity to save them when approached by Benjamin Lockwood (James Cromwell), the one time partner of Jurassic Park mastermind John Hammond. Mr. Lockwood and his caretaker/right-hand man, Eli Mills (Rafe Spall), plan to rescue the remaining species from the island and bring them to a sanctuary where they will be allowed to live in peace.

Only problem is they need the skilled velociraptor trainer, Owen (Chris Pratt), to come along this mission and find Blue, the only raptor left of its kind. FYI, the best thing about this movie is the connection between Blue and Owen. Luckily, Claire finds Owen in his new quiet life, building a cabin in the middle of nowhere. How convenient and cliché. After some banter about their previous relationship she convinces him to join the mission and save Blue.

I won’t go into the plot any further than that to avoid spoilers, but eventually we are taken on a chaotic ride.

There are many problems with Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom; beginning with its characters. With the exception of Pratt, Howard, and the best character, Blue, I could careless about anyone else on screen. In fact, who are all you people? Claire brings along two new faces, feisty “paleo-veterinarian” Zia Rodriguez (Daniella Pineda), who knows everything about these creatures but has never actually seen one in person, and tech-geek Franklin (Justice Smith), who constantly screams at any sign of danger. They had no business being in this movie. Because again, who even are you?

The villain is weak and their “evil” motive is just lazy writing. There were other characters too but, honestly, I just don’t care enough about them.

Though the film has intense action-packed sequences that will keep you enthralled till the end, the ridiculous story is unforgiving. Oddly enough, I’d still say it is worth watching the action on the big screen, but don’t go in with high expectations. Grab some popcorn and try not to think too much while watching.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom leaves the door wide open for another sequel, and maybe, the writers will get it right on their third try with what will hopefully be the final chapter.

Rating: 2.5/5

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom hits theaters June 22.

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