Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) enjoying a moment with a baby Nasutoceratops while Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) observes.
Jurassic World: Dominion is an entertaining film. While those familiar with the franchise may by this point (it’s the sixth installment) find diminished shock value in prehistoric creatures on the silver screen, and while some may find a frolicking Nasutoceratops cute, the best part in Jurassic World: Dominion is in the nostalgia-meets-present-day story when Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) from the first Jurassic Park (1993) meet their contemporary friends Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) from the Jurassic World (first part was released in 2015) trilogy.
On second thought, “meeting” in this case may not portray the most accurate picture. After all, the protagonists of different decades don’t exactly have a three-course meal together while chitchatting about giant reptiles. (Who would find that interesting, anyway?) Instead, they run into each other in dire circumstances where the dinosaur island, Isla Nublar, has been destroyed and dinosaurs now live and hunt alongside humans across the globe.
However, one may ask, who really needs another take on this?
Luckily, the director, Colin Trevorrow, who helmed the previous parts of the Jurassic World as well, has this time around found more “meat on the bones” when it comes to realizing the script by Emily Carmichael.
The characters pay homage to 1980s adventure films; there’s something Indiana Jones-ish, not only in Dr. Grant’s hat but in facial expressions as well. Add Dr. Sattler and we have a couple of paleontologists who play hard ball. Bow down, Ross Geller!
Considering the duration of 146 minutes, the story finds its pace well: it doesn’t get tiresome nor does it fail to entertain.
The reviewer also appreciates that the creators realize what was said earlier:
When the shock value of dinosaurs is lower, new, creepier creatures should be introduced.
What are they?
It’s recommended that you, dear reader, find out yourself.
”Jurassic World: Dominion’ plays in cinemas now.