ReelBob: ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ ★
By Bob Bloom
Like the dinosaurs of old, the “Jurassic World” franchise should be designated as extinct. And “Dominion,” the latest movie in the series, is the cinematic comet that could prime that event.
This compilation of characters, plotlines and situations is taken at random from the “Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic World” movies. It is as if director Colin Trevorrow and his co-screenwriter, Emily Carmichael, simply cut and pasted sequences from the previous scripts.
“Jurassic World: Dominion” squandered what could have been a fascinating premise — mankind and dinosaurs coexisting on the planet.
Instead, they harkened back to the tried-and-true cliches of narrow escapes, an evil corporation, a corrupt tech magnate and sinister genetic engineering.
The storyline has enough holes accommodate a fleet of 18-wheelers.
It feels as if Trevorrow is banking on the memories and good will of audiences to carry the movie instead of venturing into unexplored territory.
If you think about it, the story possibilities of sharing the planet are too numerous to list. And you could probably think of a dozen or so more that did not even cross my mind.
But rather than take a step forward, “Dominion” spends most of the movie looking over its shoulder — even going as far as bringing back Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum to reprise their characters from the original trilogy.
Joining them are Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard from the updated trilogy.
None of the characters is given much to work with. Their performances lack spark; they act as if this is simply a paycheck chore they were obligated to do. It’s easy to see they were not invested in the project.
At 146 minutes, the film lumbers along like a brontosaurus. Everything that happens is foreshadowed and predictable, and the movie lacks surprise and suspense.
“Jurassic World: Dominion” is a been-there-done-that, recycled movie. It is a drawn-out, tired series of cliches.
And if we truly want to save the planet, a good way to start is by consigning this movie to a cinematic dustbin where it easily will be forgotten.
I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, 4K UHD, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob.com or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.
JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION
1 star out of 4
(PG-13), intense action sequences, violence, language