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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.

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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.

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