Jurassic World: Dominion Movie Review

The plot is as interesting as the genetically modified locust with dino DNA. Trash finds a way, & this entry of the franchise totally bites grass!

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi

Director: Colin Trevorrow

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Laura Dern, Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Isabella Sermon, Campbell Scott, DeWanda Wise, Mamoudou Athie & BD Wong.

Run Time: 146 min.

US Release: 10 June 2022

UK Release: 10 June 2022

German Release: 08 June 2022

This has been a long time coming, especially after the release of Rebirth. Three years after the launch of what was supposed to be the “grand finale” of the franchise, I am finally posting my analysis of Dominion. The reason for the delay? It left me with such a bad aftertaste that I didn’t even want to talk about it. Only now can I look back and finally close the book on my review string. The truth is that all three Jurassic World flicks have more in common with the Star Wars sequel trilogy than most fans might want to admit. They start with promise, then spiral into chaos. 

So let’s dig into the excavation site, as we unearth the mess that is this dinosaur blockbuster.

— WARNING, THIS REVIEW CONTAINS LIGHT SPOILERS! —

Four years after the distraction of Isla Nublar and the release of dinosaurs into the world, humanity is trying to coexist with prehistoric life. The shady biotech company Byosin, while mean, is secretly trying to track down Maisie Lockwood to unlock her genetic makeup. At the same time, a new species of giant locust begins devastating US crops, leading Dr. Ellie Sattler to investigate the insects, tied to Byosin and its ruthless CEO. 

Dominion carries over the issues that plagued Fallen Kingdom, learning nothing from its predecessor's mistakes. Instead of exploring the dinosaurs' struggle to survive in our world, it builds its narrative around corporate greed, cloning ethics, as well as genetic manipulation. These themes could have been compelling in a tighter story, but here they’re stretched beyond their limits. As such, the film turns into a dull industrial espionage thriller that just happens to feature dinos.

Part of the problem lies in its structure, trying to cram two completely different stories into one bloated runtime. On one side, it tries to appease long-time fans with a cheap, nostalgia-fueled side arc about mutant locusts, in which Ellie Sattler reunites with Dr. Alan Grant and Ian Malcolm. On the other, we follow the newer cast as they stumble through a ridiculous kidnap-and-rescue storyline involving Maisie. Nothing about these awkwardly stitched together flicks feels cohesive. It is all a convoluted mess.

There are, however, small positives. It’s nice to see the legacy characters back together. The writers also tried to right a wrong made in Jurassic Park III, providing the picture with its only real spark of heart. Finally, some of the action set pieces are entertaining.

Conversations are as generic as they can get. Most of it is reused material from the previous picture, repackaged in glossier dialogues. This is Dominion’s biggest flaw, as it struggles with finding something new to say.

If Dominion proves anything, it’s that Colin Trevorrow and his writing team had no idea what to do with the characters.

Chris Pratt’s Owen Grady and Bryce Dallas Howard’s Claire Dearing remain painfully one-dimensional. Though three films together, they have shown virtually no growth since Jurassic World. Owen is still the same dino cowboy who points his hand at everything with teeth, while Claire’s arc is reduced to that of the cliché mother, concerned for her child. Their relationship is stuck, lacking genuine development.

The new (old) villain, Lewis Dodgson (a thin Steve Jobs parody), is as generic as they come. His motivations are purely greed-driven, lacking the menace or depth of the franchise’s past antagonists.

The returning legacy trio: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, as well as Jeff Goldblum, are welcome but underused. Ellie’s reconnection with Alan’s offers a tender nostalgia that briefly recaptures their magic. Beyond that, their subplot feels disconnected from the rest of the movie. Ian Malcolm, once the chaotic voice of reason, is now mostly relegated to quippy one-liners.

Maisie’s character continues to serve as a plot device rather than a human being. Her story could have offered emotional weight, but it’s lost among the blockbuster’s cluttered subplots.

The cinematography is this movie’s biggest strength; there is no denying it! Yes, it can look flat at times, plus its editing is inconsistent at the beginning, though it quickly finds its flow. The action is visually spectacular, especially during vehicular chase sequences, while the aerial shots are mesmerising. Cinematographer John Schwartzman makes good use of jaw-dropping panoramic scenes, while the hyperloop sequence is well framed, evoking a feeling of deadly claustrophobia. 

Furthermore, effective use of practical animatronics blended with CGI creates moments that recall the wonders of Spielberg’s original. Unfortunately, the magic of seeing these fossils come to life on screen has worn off. Especially in this one, where many of the creatures feel like background decoration to a tedious narrative. Purely computer-generated dinosaurs vary in quality, with some looking too cartoonish. 

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Verdict: Jurassic World: Dominion had the potential to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the saga; an exploration of coexistence, nature, just like humanity’s need to adapt. Instead, it settles for being an overstuffed, soulless blockbuster that mistakes nostalgia for storytelling. The film’s strengths are a few solid action sequences, beautiful cinematography, and the joy of seeing the legacy trio back together. Sadly, these few positives can’t outweigh its hollow characters, disjointed structure, or the lack of imagination. For a franchise built on wondrous awe, Dominion feels heatbreakingly lifeless. This is a disappointing finale that buries its dinosaurs under boardroom drama and nostalgia bait. End the saga with the fourth film; don’t bother watching the others. This sixth instalment obtains a 4.0 out of 10.

Do you agree with my thoughts? Which Jurassic flick was your least favourite? Let me know in the comments below. As always, thank you for reading. If you are new & you like what you read, don’t forget to like, share & subscribe for more content.