Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  8 / 10

  Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom injects blockbusting life into this prehistoric franchise. I'm going to start off with a bold statement. I believe this is the best sequel since the original. Take a moment, let that sink in. Want to know why? Simple, J.A. Bayona. Set after the events of 'Jurassic World', the island is left in a desolate ruin where its once dormant volcano becomes active. Owen and Claire are sent back to rescue the endangered dinosaurs from extinction, but not for a justified cause. We all know what to expect from this franchise. Fantastic visuals, engaging characters and some thrilling tension. All that exists, the narrative structure remains unchanged. However, what Bayona effectively embeds is a subtextual layer of melancholy (as with all his films). Tackling connotations of animal cruelty, environmental issues and the all important theme of "mankind destroying Earth". These dinosaurs are no longer the invincible predators of the animal kingdom, they've been subjugated to a world fuelled by greed. After the volcanic eruption, which is absolutely phenomenal by the way, there is a scene that evoked pure empathy as you watch these genetically created species perish in the ferocious flames. Selling dinosaurs like poachers trading ivory. Identifying characteristics in order to weaponise them. This is what humanity has become, this is what we are doing to our own ecological system. Bayona sidelined the standard "runnnn! It's a dinosaur!" and ensured the humanitarian construct was at the forefront. It worked! He proves you can have enthralling set pieces and elevate them through acute subtextual details. His directing technique is consistently engaging, with a standout one shot take where the Indoraptor unlocks a door. He was rotating, flipping and zooming in simultaneously. I muttered "that was beautiful" where the couple next to me glared at me and whispered. It's true, this comes across as unoriginal as it takes strands of DNA from previous iterations. However the blend of meaningful context and exciting set pieces makes for a roaring sequel that many will judge unfairly.

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