MICHAEL MEDVED

Medved: ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ is mildly enjoyable for dino fans

Jun 23, 2018, 12:22 AM

There’s a line in “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” that is repeated at least six times – I know because I was counting. It’s “Run!!!” with three exclamation points. They are constantly running in this film from exploding lava, from rampaging dinosaurs, or bad guy mercenaries.

RELATED: “Ready Player One” is a great work of the imagination

So there will be no Oscars for screenplay, but maybe for special effects. I give it 2.5 stars out of four. As with the various Spider-Man films or Star Wars movies, once you enjoy something it’s nice to keep feasting on it. For those who liked the other Jurassic Park films, this movie will be mildly enjoyable.

This is the fifth film in the entire Jurassic Park franchise. And it is the second film of three authorized by Executive Producer Steven Spielberg — known as the “Jurassic World” trilogy (not to be confused with the three original “Jurassic Park” blockbusters).

Chris Pratt’s character, Owen Grady, raised one particular dinosaur named “Blue.” He’s the good-guy dinosaur and they play a central role in the plot of the film. While the screenplay isn’t spectacular, none of the performances are bad.

The movie certainly has its impressive aspects. When you go back and look at the original Jurassic Park film, it has wonderful fresh elements, but the special effects are so crude compared to this film. It’s dazzling. The effects are done by Industrial Light and Magic, which was founded by George Lucas. You’ve never seen dinosaurs like this. They are amazing.

“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” has these dinosaurs facing the ultimate jeopardy – an exploding volcano on the island from the previous film. From the very first sequence, there’s a lot of thrills and human beings becoming dinosaur chow.

The movie is rated PG-13 by the way. It can get graphic. An arm gets chopped off, for example. And they do create a number of new, more imposing dinosaurs for this film.

It’s very well set up for a sequel. Something tells me that sequel will somehow have the dinosaurs making it all the way to Los Angeles. Not sure how, but they’ll make it.

Michael Medved on AM 770 KTTH
  • listen to michael medvedTune in to AM 770 KTTH weekdays at 12pm for The Michael Medved Show.

Michael Medved

Gaza attacks...

Michael Medved

Medved: The sad, ‘crazy’ tale of a Gaza water park, and Hamas’ war against fun

After barely three months of operation in 2010, the dream of a fanciful facility to attract tourists and delight locals lay in ruins.

5 months ago

2024 presidential debate...

Michael Medved

Medved: Will 2024 be the year of crucial political debates on TV?

It’s not difficult to imagine either Biden or Trump uttering some inaccurate or incoherent combinations of words that could undercut any momentum.

5 months ago

medved populism...

Michael Medved

Medved: GOP heading to irrelevance as party fails to embrace demographic changes

The spreading speculation about a new civil war isn't based on regionalism this time, but on distinctions in education and identity.

7 months ago

biden...

Michael Medved

Medved: How Biden learned money misdeeds can hurt most of all

The doomed example of "Tricky Dick" demonstrates the way that financial wrongdoing and personal enrichment can upset the public more than sex scandals.

7 months ago

Trump...

Michael Medved

Picking the right running mate could powerfully boost Trump’s prospects

It’s impossible to forecast who Donald Trump will pick as his running mate for the upcoming election of 2024, but it’s safe to say who he won’t select.

7 months ago

trump campaign...

Michael Medved

Medved: Can a new Trump victimhood campaign win back the White House?

Facing more than a half-dozen hostile legal proceedings before next year’s presidential election, can Donald Trump mount an effective campaign?

8 months ago

Medved: ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ is mildly enjoyable for dino fans