Movie Review # 530: Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)

Well everyone, we have finally arrived at what is said to be the conclusion of the Jurassic Park/World franchise. Is this truly a satisfying ending, or do we need a little more? Well, let’s find out by talking about Jurassic World: Dominion.

Plot: When a head doctor (Campbell Scott) of the scientific company, Biosyn, orders the kidnapping of Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon) in order to use her for “scientific breakthrough,” Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) set out to find, and rescue her before it’s too late, and chaos supposedly unleashed among the dinosaur community. With the help of some newer friends that they meet along the way, can they get the job done?

At this point, I’m sure you’re all wondering again, was Jurassic World: Dominion an improvement from other films like Jurassic Park 3, or the previous Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, or films like those? Well, yes, but not by a whole lot. First of all, there are quite a few times, particularly in the first half, when Jurassic World: Dominion goes from being ultra slow in it’s pacing to really fast in that regard. What’s even more disappointing is that the last half of the movie seems to feel rather rushed. You would think that wouldn’t be the case for a film that’s around two and a half hours long, right? Well, all to say that either this film should have gone through one, or two more rounds of film editing, or it should have been divided into two parts, like say The Hobbit was divided into three movies, or next year’s Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning will be divided at least into two parts, you know? Will fans be feel satisfied by how things turn out near the end? Well, let’s just say that if they are, they most likely won’t be by a whole lot. What’s more is that there were some action scenes that probably lasted a little too long, maybe longer than they should have in the end. Oh, and another thing, there were some elements that carried over from previous Jurassic Park/World films, like Jurassic Park 3, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, that probably shouldn’t have to begin with. Finally, once again, there were some remakes from characters like Dr. Ian Malcolm, that weren’t the best, just like in the first, and fifth films of this franchise.

But is there some good stuff in this supposed final chapter? Well, yes! In fact, the storyline, despite having some problems, was still an improvement from especially the third, and fifth films. As for the action, while it lasted a little too long at times, was still very good in others moments of this film. It was also really great to not only main characters from Jurassic World on in this film, but also to have brought back even some older characters that were in some of the beginning films of the Jurassic Park franchise. Not to mention that we have even antagonists that are much more intimidating, and possibly even more memorable than the ones we got in previous films, especially after the first Jurassic Park movie. Oh, and it was also cool to have this mix of James Bond, and Jurassic Park mixed together. Definitely an unexpected twist! There’s also Giacchino’s score. Oh, and on that note, it was great to have him stay to compose the score the remaining three Jurassic Park/World films. Why the same was not the case for John Williams with the first three films, I’m not sure. Well, maybe the filmmakers learned from how lacking some of the score was in at least the second, and third installments, and they decided to try to keep Giacchino on board if they could? Beats me! Well, it was a great thing that they did one way, or another. The world building was also really great, especially with the forests, the locusts, the vehicles in this sequel. and all of that really great stuff.

And that’s my review for Jurassic World: Dominion. Though not exactly the best conclusion for this franchise, Jurassic World: Dominion does have everything wrap up together in a somewhat satisfying matter. Not the best satisfaction, but still. The characters, both the good, and bad ones are also very memorable this time around too. And yes, overall, while the story could have been better, and some scenes dragged way too much, this is a sequel that is most definitely worth seeing. Still go see Jurassic World: Dominion, if you haven’t, and see what you think!

Final Grade: B