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The once-dormant volcano at the heart of Isla Nublar is once again active, and it threatens to destroy all life there. Reuniting with raptor trainer Owen (Chris Pratt), Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) returns to the island to track and save the remaining dinosaurs, but the operation isn't all it appears to be...
One night, when I was a child, Jurassic Park was on the TV. Allowed to stay up late (it must have been a weekend!), I remember sitting in my pyjamas and watching the fuzzy, pixelated as a helpless goat was slowly lowered into a pit to be munched on. At that point, I decided I didn't really like dinosaurs and was hurriedly escorted to bed. It wasn't until later that I watched the whole film, and even then it terrified me! Fast forward to now, and the thought of being chased and eaten by a ferocious reptile is still thrillingly scary, as I discovered when my heart rate reached dangerous levels whilst watching Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
With directorial credits such as The Orphanage and A Monster Calls on his CV, J. A. Bayona was never going to make a typical blockbuster, and he doesn't disappoint here. Taking the scaly franchise and adding his own emotive twist to the proceedings, Bayona has created a film that's both exciting and intelligent, marrying themes of modern warfare, genetic testing, loss and greed with 'boo, hiss' baddies, empathetic heroes, explosions, and, of course, plenty of dinosaur action. Indeed, some of the obligatory chase sequences were so tense that I gripped the arm of my partner rather tightly - seriously, when the carnivore is coming along the darkened passage to the flashing red light, my adrenaline definitely kicked in. It's also surprising affecting, with a particularly distressing scene involving a sauropod inducing a little cry. Pratt, an undeniably charismatic screen presence, abandons the quips with which he is usually associated in favour of a more understated, mature performance, providing the film with an altogether human heart. Abandoning the heels which did so admirably in the reboot, Dallas Howard is similarly excellent, providing a much more self-assured performance with a few kick-ass, 'yes, women!' moments. Toby Jones also shows up a couple of times, and Toby Jones can do no wrong.
For fast-paced fun with lots of action, a few scares and a moral message at the centre, look no further than this latest addition to the Jurassic catalogue. With a smart story, a likeable cast and thrills that throw you back to childhood, it makes for a summer blockbuster with plenty of bite.
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