Jurassic World Dominion promised a thrilling culmination to both the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World trilogies, a roaring spectacle of humans and dinosaurs coexisting (or rather, struggling to coexist) on a global scale. Sadly, the film delivers more of a whimper than a roar, leaving audiences feeling less awestruck and more…bored. The plot, already convoluted with multiple storylines, feels stretched thin, lacking the narrative punch needed to justify its runtime. This Jurassic World Dominion installment ultimately fails to capitalize on the potential of its premise, becoming a pale imitation of its predecessors and a disappointing conclusion to a franchise that once captured the imagination of moviegoers worldwide. Prepare yourself for a disappointing experience with this Jurassic World Dominion movie.
The Plot Thickens (and Thins)
The narrative of Dominion suffers from a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth. We have the legacy characters – Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, and Ian Malcolm – investigating a genetically modified locust plague threatening the world’s food supply. Simultaneously, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing are on a mission to rescue Maisie Lockwood, who has been kidnapped. These storylines, while individually potentially interesting, feel disjointed and struggle to converge in a satisfying way. The film’s attempts to weave them together result in a messy and unfocused narrative, leaving the audience feeling lost and disengaged.
Where’s the Danger?
- The dinosaurs, once terrifying creatures of the past, are relegated to glorified set pieces.
- The human characters, despite the presence of familiar faces, lack depth and development.
- The overall sense of danger and suspense, crucial to the Jurassic Park/World formula, is noticeably absent.
Missed Opportunities and Padded Runtime
The film is filled with moments that feel like missed opportunities. The concept of dinosaurs living freely among humans, while initially intriguing, is never fully explored. Instead, we are treated to generic action sequences and predictable plot twists. The runtime feels unnecessarily padded, with scenes that add little to the overall story and contribute to the film’s sluggish pacing. The locust plotline, while relevant to current environmental concerns, feels like a distraction from the core dinosaur-human conflict. It is a shame considering the potential.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Jurassic World Dominion fails to live up to the hype. It’s a film that is neither thrilling nor particularly engaging, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment. As a final chapter in this era of the franchise, Jurassic World Dominion falls short of delivering a memorable and satisfying conclusion.
If you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise, proceed with caution. Lower your expectations significantly and try to focus on the nostalgia factor. Appreciate the return of the original trio, even if their characters feel somewhat diluted. Embrace the spectacle of dinosaurs on a grander scale, even if the execution is flawed. Think of it as a popcorn flick – mindless entertainment that requires minimal engagement.
A Word of Advice: Manage Your Expectations
Going into Dominion with the expectation of a thrilling, suspenseful, and intelligently written dinosaur adventure is a recipe for disappointment. Instead, view it as a visually impressive but narratively weak spectacle. The dinosaurs are there, the action is present, but the spark that made the original films so captivating is largely absent. If you can adjust your mindset accordingly, you might find some enjoyment in the film’s spectacle, even if it’s ultimately a hollow experience.
Things to Consider Before Watching:
- Plot Holes: Prepare to overlook numerous plot inconsistencies and convenient coincidences.
- Character Development: Don’t expect significant character growth or emotional depth.
- Scientific Accuracy: Suspend your disbelief and accept that the science presented is highly questionable.
Alternative Entertainment Options
If you’re looking for a truly captivating dinosaur experience, consider revisiting the original Jurassic Park. It remains a masterclass in suspense, storytelling, and visual effects. Alternatively, explore documentaries about dinosaurs and paleontology to learn more about these fascinating creatures in a more informative and engaging way. There are also numerous dinosaur-themed video games that offer immersive and interactive experiences. Don’t feel obligated to see Dominion just because it’s the latest installment. Your time and money might be better spent elsewhere.
For the Completionists: Should You Still Watch It?
Despite the criticisms, some of you may still feel compelled to watch Jurassic World Dominion. Perhaps you’re a completionist, needing to see how the story ends (or, more accurately, how it meanders to a conclusion). Or maybe you’re simply a dinosaur enthusiast who can’t resist the allure of seeing these creatures on the big screen, no matter how poorly they’re utilized. If you fall into either of these categories, here’s some further advice to help you manage your expectations and perhaps even find some shred of enjoyment in the experience.
Tips for Enduring the Dominion Experience:
- Focus on the Visuals: The CGI is undeniably impressive. Appreciate the detailed rendering of the dinosaurs and the landscapes they inhabit. Try to lose yourself in the visual spectacle, even if the story is lacking.
- Embrace the Nostalgia: The return of Grant, Sattler, and Malcolm is a significant draw for many viewers. Focus on the familiar faces and try to recapture some of the magic of the original films. Ignore the fact that their characters may not be entirely consistent with their past portrayals.
- Bring a Friend (or Several): Misery loves company. Watching Dominion with a group of friends can make the experience more bearable. You can laugh at the absurd moments together and commiserate about the missed opportunities.
- Lower Your Expectations… Seriously: This cannot be emphasized enough. Go in expecting a mediocre action movie with dinosaurs, and you might not be as disappointed.
After You’ve Watched It: Managing the Post-Dominion Blues
So, you’ve braved the doldrums of Jurassic World Dominion. You’ve witnessed the locusts, the confusing plotlines, and the underutilized dinosaurs. Now what? It’s perfectly normal to feel a sense of disappointment or even frustration. Here are some ways to cope with the post-Dominion blues and restore your faith in the Jurassic Park franchise (and cinema in general).
Recovery Strategies:
- Revisit the Classics: Rewatch the original Jurassic Park. Remind yourself of what made the franchise so special in the first place.
- Explore Other Dinosaur Media: There are countless books, documentaries, and video games that offer more engaging and informative experiences than Dominion.
- Vent Your Frustrations: Talk to your friends, family, or even online communities about your disappointment. Sharing your feelings can help you process them.
- Remember the Good Times: Focus on the positive aspects of the Jurassic Park franchise. Recall the moments that thrilled you, the characters you loved, and the overall sense of wonder that the films inspired.
Ultimately, Jurassic World Dominion serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overextending a franchise and failing to deliver on its potential. Let it be a reminder to approach future sequels and reboots with a healthy dose of skepticism and to cherish the original films that captured our imaginations so many years ago.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dinosaurs on Screen
While Jurassic World Dominion may have left a bad taste in your mouth, don’t despair! The world of dinosaurs on screen is far from over. There’s always the potential for new and exciting interpretations of these prehistoric creatures. The key lies in learning from the mistakes of the past and embracing fresh perspectives.
What We Hope to See in Future Dinosaur Films:
- A Focus on Storytelling: Prioritize compelling narratives and well-developed characters over empty spectacle.
- Respect for the Science: While scientific accuracy isn’t always paramount, a degree of plausibility can enhance the immersion and believability of the story.
- Creative World-Building: Explore new and innovative ways to depict dinosaurs and their interactions with the environment.
- A Sense of Wonder and Awe: Capture the magic and majesty of these incredible creatures and inspire a sense of wonder in audiences.
Perhaps a smaller, more character-driven story, focusing on the ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering or the challenges of coexisting with resurrected species, would be a refreshing change. Maybe a documentary-style approach, showcasing the latest paleontological discoveries and bringing dinosaurs to life with cutting-edge CGI, could reignite our fascination with these ancient creatures; The possibilities are endless, as long as filmmakers are willing to approach the subject matter with creativity, respect, and a genuine desire to tell a good story.
The Legacy of Jurassic Park: A Timeless Reminder
Despite the shortcomings of its later installments, the Jurassic Park franchise has left an undeniable mark on popular culture. The original film, in particular, remains a cinematic masterpiece, a testament to the power of imagination, storytelling, and visual effects. Let us not forget the groundbreaking achievements of Steven Spielberg and his team, who brought dinosaurs to life in a way that had never been seen before. And let us hope that future filmmakers will draw inspiration from the original film’s blend of suspense, adventure, and scientific curiosity, creating new and exciting dinosaur experiences that will captivate audiences for generations to come. Ultimately, the disappointing Jurassic World Dominion should not overshadow the legacy of the franchise as a whole. It serves as a reminder that even the most beloved stories can falter, but also that the potential for greatness always remains.
It’s tempting to write off the franchise entirely after Dominion, but perhaps a period of dormancy is exactly what it needs. A chance to reassess, reimagine, and return with a fresh perspective. Only time will tell if the dinosaurs will roar again in a truly meaningful way. The first sentence of this final paragraph emphasizes that the story is not yet over.
