Jurassic World 2 - Fallen Kingdom (2018)

I wasn't expecting great things from the new Jurassic movie - not after the last one, but a buddy watched it and said it was okay... and you know what? It was.

The introduction was just impeccable, but after that... yeah it all goes to hell once again. Isn't that how it always goes?

Humans are too predictable. From the moment they shoot Blue it all turns into the movie you were expecting. Flashy but predictable. The dinosaurs do look awesome, but the way they tear through things like they've totally lost their motoric capabilities... in the end it's just too much. Too many predictable and flashy twists. Too many close calls. Too much sensationalism and too little... realism?

Can you have realism with a movie about dinosaurs? Some would argue that the charm (if you can call it charm) with this franchise lies in that aspect of filming, but I feel like the first movies had that bit covered. It's only the last two that have been like this.

They do redeem things a bit with a very atmospheric intro, a valiant chase through streams of lava, some comedy and a strong cast, but... then they just F it all up. Maybe it would've been better if they aimed for rated R instead of toning everything down with a younger audience in mind. I mean I wouldn't mind if they skipped the torn off arm entirely, but if they do include it then there better be some blood. It just looks off.

Intentionally censored.

Chris Pratt does shine in his role, Justice Smith and Daniella Pineda were appreciated sidekicks, and the little girl's got some really emotional moments, but in the end it's just too much showcasing the dinosaurs, too much cat and mouse, and too many a last-minute plot element. A canister of poison gas right after the flammable one too. Really? Always good to keep a tube or two of those in the house huh. Poison gas. Yeah. You never know when you might need it...

I mean I'd understand sleeping gas, but poison? In the theater more than a few people groaned aloud at that bit.

I did enjoy the movie, but if they're trying to finally go back to basics and make one of these really good then why not go all the way?

I guess there'll be a sequel though. I'm sort of thrilled and sort of disappointed with this one, so I'm sort of looking forward to that one, too. Hope next time maybe (but probably not) they get it all right. In the end it was pretty spectacular, with some surprisingly well-filmed/enacted scenes and moments, but is it really worth a...

 rated 4/5: fo shizzle