Sometimes the magical world of the film is impressive. New stars are born, like the amazing Isabella Sermon and DeWanda Wise. Moreover, movies – unlike nature – do not allow special creatures like dinosaurs to die out. Let’s check whether this is for the good of mankind in our review of Jurassic World Dominion.
God creates dinosaurs. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs. Dinosaurs eat man. Woman inherits the earth. Jurassic Park, 1993
THE STORY OF JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION
Everything stays the same in Jurassic World Dominion, more or less. Some dinosaurs have meanwhile mingled with the humans. And those have even come to terms with it. Other pachyderms, on the other hand, are still annoying. They can’t help but follow their natural instincts and hunt.
Instead of theme parks, an ominous genetics company called Biosyn is now using the dinosaurs to research mysterious cures for deadly diseases. That this is not entirely kosher is suggested by the fact that several shady people are working for the company. The thesis underscores the fact that they do not shy away from violence.
But thankfully, the heroes of the Jurassic Park trilogy are now teaming up with those of the Jurassic World franchise. In Jurassic World Dominion, Alan Grant, Dr. Ellie Sattler, Dr. Ian Malcom, Claire Dearing, Owen Grady, and the sweet Maisie Lockwood are not only against vicious primeval creatures. Moreover, they are also against those shady characters. And so, we are already at…
THE CHARACTERS & CAST
ALAN GRANT (SAM NEILL) & DR. ELLIE SATTLER (LAURA DERN)
After twenty-one years, the two heroes of the first and third part now return to the big screen in Jurassic World Dominion. Ellie investigates a very strange problem involving giant locusts. This does not mean the size of the swarm but the sheer size of the locusts themselves. Alan continues to dig in the sand in search of fossils. Although he vowed to himself never to set foot on a dinosaur island again after the first horrific experience on Isla Nublar thirty years ago, of course, he cannot refuse Ellie’s request for help. A new adventure begins for both.
It’s unbelievable, but Sam Neill hasn’t changed much since he first appeared in Jurassic Park. He still looks great.
In fact, he hasn’t lost his charm and warm-heartedness, which helped make both Jurassic Park episodes timeless movie classics. Now, he also gives Jurassic World Dominion that special charm. At least in the scenes in which he appears.
Laura Dern polarized something in the first part. At that time, it felt like she giggled more than she spoke. Something atypical for a paleobotanist. Finally, in Jurassic Park III, she showed that she herself knows how to mobilize the Marines to help Alan. Now Dern gets more space to let Ellie appear as a real scientist and powerful woman. She also impresses with her freshness and energy.
DR. IAN MALCOM (JEFF GOLDBLUM)
We also last saw the punk scientist, who annoyed one or the other with his chaos theory, 25 years ago in “Lost World”. In Jurassic World Dominion, he imparts his wisdom in biosyn seminars. Although his ego has been a nuisance here and there, we know him as a scientist who cares about the world. So, it can be assumed that there is more behind the seminars and his work.
Jeff Goldblum also amazes us. What a career. The actor already convinced us in Death Wish (1974), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), and Into the Night (1985) alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. His big breakthrough was certainly The Fly from 1986. The giant from Pennsylvania hasn’t changed much since then. He still conjures up a big grin on our faces with his humor and cool manner. We’ll soon be able to see him again in the fourth adventure of the Nordic god; Thor: Love and Thunder.
OWEN GRADY (CHRIS PRATT)
Even in Jurassic World Dominion, Owen is still quite the daredevil. However, he has learned to focus on his loved ones and protect them. This doesn’t just mean Claire and Maisie, with whom he now lives. Additionally, raptor Blue has also found a new home in the woods around Owen’s house.
Of course, after fans celebrated Chris Pratts’ Amazon hit “The Tomorrow War,” everyone is now eagerly awaiting Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The next adventure of the intergalactic chaos squad will be released next year.
CLAIRE DEARING (BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD)
Already in Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom, Claire had changed from a career-oriented manager to an animal rights activist. Even then, she and a team of activists tried to save endangered dinosaurs. Such as in reality, some people don’t realize in their passion that they are radicalizing and going a step too far.
Hence, Claire not only has to deal with whether she is overdoing the protection of the dinosaurs but also the protection of young Maisie. After the death of John Hammond’s former InGen partner Benjamin Lockwood, Owen and Claire took care of little Maisie. Unfortunately, for both, the girl goes through puberty now.
Therefore, Maisie wants to be on her own. Besides Jurassic World Dominion and the prequels, we know Bryce from the Twilight Saga, Rocketman, Spider-Man 3, Help, and many other hit movies.
MAISIE LOCKWOOD (ISABELLA SERMON)
So, Maisie is slowly becoming a woman. However, what she hasn’t lost is her youthful cheekiness and her beautiful British English. This special mix of boldness and noblesse is simply wonderful. She wants to be free and not hidden from the world like a secret. Howsoever, she wants to discover the secret of her true origins.
In Jurassic World Dominion, Isabella, at the tender age of 15, is once again the main character. Hopefully, we will see a lot more of the young talent in the future.
ZIA RODRIGUEZ (DANIELLA PINEDA)
& FRANKLIN WEBB (JUSTICE SMITH)
Animal rights activists Zia and Franklin were very close to Claire’s side in Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom. But now, they doubt their motives. However. you’ll have to find out for yourself whether they will be of any further help to her.
Aside from Jurassic World Dominion, we know the pretty Daniella from Cowboy Bebop and Mercy Black. Justice, in turn, has recently acted in less successful films.
KAYLA WATTS (DEWANDA WISE)
The beautiful Kayla is a commercial pilot who will transport just about anything for money and asks no questions. Until the day her conscience speaks up.
We were able to see that DeWanda is not only incredibly beautiful, and a cool action heroine in the Spike Lee film and the series She’s Gotta Have It as well as in Fatherhood, Someone Great, The Weekend or The Harder They Fall.
BARRY (OMAR SY)
We know Owen’s old pal Barry from Jurassic World. Then, both trained the raptors, including Blue. Once again, Barry comes to the aid of his buddy. Moreover, he also must deal with a horde of wild beasts. You know Omar from many wonderful French productions. Above all, of course, Intouchables, Lupin, Two is a Family, Samba, Chocolate, and many others.
RAMSAY COLE (MAMOUDOU ATHIE)
Ramsay is a new character in Jurassic World Dominion. He is a close assistant and confidant of Dr. Lewis Dodgson at Biosyn. In a special way, Ramsay takes care of Dr. Grant and Dr. Saddler. Howsoever, if it’s good or bad you will learn in the movie theater. Mamoudou is a must-see in Archive 81, Uncorked, and Sorry for Your Loss.
DR. LEWIS DODGSON (CAMPBELL SCOTT)
Also in Jurassic World Dominion, there is a career-obsessed scientist who literally walks over corpses, Dr. Lewis Dodgson. Jurassic Park fans know him. Because he already appeared in the first part of the saga. Back then, his name was even called out loud. Namely, when he met up with the mean network administrator of Jurassic Park, Dennis Nedry.
Even then, Lewis Dodgson was ready to capitalize on the research work of others. At that time, he was an assistant for a company that wasn’t named in the movie. However, after it appeared in many computer games, film fans in Jurassic World Dominion will now also learn the name Biosyn.
We know Campbell Scott from films like Big Night, Roger Dodger, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Singles.
SOYONA SANTOS (DICHEN LACHMAN)
And of course, there are some other villains in Jurassic World Dominion. Like the mysterious Soyona Santos. She has a very nasty weapon at her disposal that gets Owen and the others in some trouble. We know Dichen from the successful series Severance, Altered Carbon, The 100, and Animal Kingdom.
JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION REVIEW
Jurassic World Dominion is now the sixth adventure with the resilient dinosaurs. Of course, fans expect to experience something new and even more exciting with every sequel. Even larger and ever more voracious creatures are not enough. It needs cool and fresh stories.
BLUE (HERSELF) & THE DINOSAURS
Of course, Owen’s tamed Raptor Blue and his fellow dinosaurs also play a crucial role in Jurassic World Dominion. This time storyteller Colin Trevorrow draws from the full. The dinosaurs soar into the air, hide underwater, and even conquer the cities.
Jurassic World Dominion tries to achieve this through a mix of James Bond and Mission Impossible as well as classic Jurassic Park elements. Unsuccessful. Unfortunately.
Of course, the return of the old heroes Dr. Grant, Dr. Sattler, and Dr. Malcom ensures nostalgia and a certain warmth. Also, Dr. Malcom’s dry humor brings some freshness. However, true Jurassic World fans will be disappointed. Because the story is too superficial and the events too predictable. It’s all already been seen in one form or another. In addition, Chris Pratt plays quite listless and cold. Most of the characters lack lightness, imperfection, charm, and warmth.
Except for Isabella Sermon. In her role as young Maisie, she not only saves her friends but the entire film. The girl plays more than convincingly. Besides, she is incredibly likable. She sweeps us away with her boldness and moves us with her emotions. Due to her dynamism, mischievousness, and her search for herself, Isabella embodies the current zeitgeist. So she alone leads the Jurassic World into a new age.
Despite all the criticism, Jurassic World Dominion is a good blockbuster. No question. It can also inspire those who have not had any contact with the Jurassic World before. For all fans of the saga, Jurassic World Dominion offers some special Easter eggs and emotional moments that are just plain fun. The action is cool, and the dinos are well animated. Nevertheless, the sixth part would have deserved an evolution in storytelling. Unfortunately, we can only give good 6/10 points.
Text & Layout: Marco Kokkot
Images: Universal Pictures 2022. All rights reserved.
