Fallen Kingdom

 Dinosaurs are facing extinction for a second time. Isla Nublar, the island Jurassic World and Jurassic Park were built on, is about to be completely destroyed by it’s volcano. The explosion would kill all the island’s dinosaur inhabitants. Debates are raging across the planet on whether or not they deserve to be saved. Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) is leading an organization fighting for their survival when she is called by Ben Lockwood (James Cromwell), who laid the groundwork for dinosaur cloning. Under his instruction, Claire takes a team, including velociraptor trainer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), to rescue the dinosaurs. However, there is a plot within the rescue; there is a much different destination for the dinosaurs than Claire and Owen think–Not a sanctuary, but an auction block. Now, not only are the dinosaurs in danger, but also the entire planet.

      Owen Grady was Jurassic World’s senior velociraptor trainer, and alpha of the pack. Claire is the former asset manager of Jurassic World, current activist for dinosaur rights. Her team includes Franklin Webb (Justice Smith), an IT technician, and Zia Rodriguez (Daniella Pineda), a paleo-veterinarian. Ben Lockwood was, along with John Hammond, the first to clone a dinosaur. His granddaughter Maisie (Isabella Sermon), is fascinated by the dinosaurs and, in turn, trusts Owen almost immediately. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) is a survivor of the first Jurassic Park incident and advocate against the dinosaur’s rescue. Blue is the only surviving raptor of Owen’s pack. Fan favorite Rexy made her  appearances, as she has been since the first film.

     Bryce Dallas Howard will reprise her role of Claire in the next Jurassic World, continuing a successful acting career. Along with Owen Grady, Chris Pratt is well known for his role as Starlord in the Marvel films. Justice Smith was in the 2015 film adaptation of Paper Towns. Daniella Pineda is not only an actress, but also a writer and comedian. James Cromwell has been acting for 44 years. Isabella Sermon got her start in this film. Jeff Goldblum is most well known not only as Ian Malcolm, but as the Grandmaster in Thor: Ragnarok.

     Fallen Kingdom had just the right mix of old and new that gave it a unique finish while still feeling like the original movie. Jurassic World saw the saga’s first genetic hybrid, the Indominus Rex. This time, using the Indominus’ remains and a cocktail of DNA from other deadly species (including, possibly, human), the Indoraptor has been created. At the same time, Fallen Kingdom crossed lines that no other Jurassic picture had. Issues such as animal rights and the dangers of corrupt officials were addressed. Scientific barriers never before addressed in a Jurassic picture were crossed. There were plenty of Easter eggs of the first film, perfect for long time fans. The return of fan favorite, Ian Malcom, was also greatly appreciated. At the same time, this could be your first Jurassic Park movie, and you could still love it. The Truly one for everybody.

     Anyone who enjoys action, suspense, or Spielberg pictures would find something to love. Wouldn’t recommend for someone who enjoys romance or comedy. Of course, it was perfect for anyone with a love of dinosaurs. MPAA rating: PG-13. My rating? A huge five stars. Jurassic Park is going strong!