THE LOWDOWN
This is the fifth instalment (but not likely last – they are planning a 3rd and final in the Jurassic World trilogy) in the American science fiction adventure film franchise Jurassic Park. Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall are back at the producer’s helm, and it is directed by J.A. Bayona. Set on the fictional and now iconic island of Isla Nublar, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing set out to rescue remaining dinosaurs before a volcanic eruption destroys it. But what is a Jurassic Park film, if not for its plot twisted by the greed of human beings. DNA collected by the remains of the Indominus Rex, leads to the genetically engineered and ferocious Indoraptor – which forms part of a line-up of captured dinos that are being auctioned off to the highest bidders. We also see the return of our favourite Velociraptor, Blue, who teams up with our heroes to take on the bad guys and liberate this world from the Jurassic Era.
THE GOOD
We love Chris Pratt. He is just a really, really likeable casted character in pretty much any film, and the franchise did well by securing him in this and the last film, Jurassic World. So big plus on that front getting to watch Pratt in action again. We also absolutely love that Jeff Goldblum cameos again as the voice of reason (or doom and gloom, whichever you prefer). Say what you want about the Jurassic Park franchise – but it is enjoyable. And I can be objective. I hated Jurassic Park 2 – The Lost World. Well, the part that had the T-Rex running through the streets of American suburbia like some cheap Japanese monster film rip off.
Look, I have been a fan since the 1990’s. This is just another chapter in historic film making. Watching the T-Rex in action (again) is homage to the original. Sure. I would have loved to see the amazing Laura Dern somewhere in the Jurassic World’s, but we can’t get everything we want. On the dino front, the Indoraptor is positively perfect. The hint to an emo-horror film is a big-time theme in the film, as it skulks around open bedrooms and chases little girls around mansion halls. And it’s fantastic. I personally will be in the front row for Jurassic World III. I am just hoping there will be mass havoc (as hinted to at the end of the film) across the 50 states of the Trump administration in the next film.
THE BAD
As a massive fan of the Jurassic Park franchise, to find out that most of the film takes place off the island was a bit of a let-down. Having said that. I can respect that the filmmakers did give us something slightly different to the original plot. People go to an island. People meet dinosaurs. People get eaten by dinosaurs. People get off said island. End scene with T-Rex.
Don’t get me wrong. People get eaten. If this isn’t your vibe, stay away from this film. Also. Just replace “island” with mansion in the rich burbs of America, and you have Fallen Kingdom. It won’t win any Oscars, or much favour with critics, but then again, Fallen Kingdom doesn’t set out to promise audiences riveting unique movie going. It’s supposed to just be fun.
THE CHERRY ON TOP
The DVD release has a ton of great extras you can enjoy. Let’s have a look at some of my favs:
- You get to see Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard on set behind the scenes. They have some amazing chemistry. I love watching actors having fun and doing their thing, as you get to know them a little more personally.
- The Kingdom Evolves: Steven Spielberg chats about his love for the franchise and why he kept the Jurassic faith. Again, we also get confirmation that there will be a 3rd in the Jurassic World
- Birth of the Indoraptor: One of my favourite dinos in the Jurassic Park films. Genetically engineered danger wrapped in a beautifully homicidal package. We get to see the concept art and creation of this majestic monster.
- Death by Dino: How do you die by dino? Find out in this segment as we see the actors get bloodied and beaten.
- Malcolm’s Return: Jeff Goldblum is a highlight in our lives, and of course, in the film. Ian Malcolm embodies the spirit of Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton. We get a closer look at his involvement in this movie.
And a whole lot more.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is available now on DVD and Blu-Ray from Next Entertainment.
