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On June 22nd, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, a sequel that would add onto the Jurassic World film series was released. Although the Jurassic Park series was greatly enjoyed in the 90’s, the subsequent films were said to not have the charm that the original film had had. So, the real question formed: Would the new Jurassic World movie leave us wanting more or would it fail to meet our likings?
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom revolves around Claire, Owen, Zia, and Franklin trying to save the dinosaurs from extinction from a volcanically active island. However, their plans change when they find out that the captured dinosaurs are going to be auctioned to buyers. During the auction, Owen and Claire meet Maisie, a clone of her grandfather’s deceased daughter (her mother), and convinces her to run away with them. On the way, the Indoraptor hunts them through the mansion, but they manage to escape. Meanwhile, a hydrogen cyanide gas leak threatens the dinosaurs’ lives, but they end up getting set free by Maisie. Finally, Owen, Claire, Maisie, Zia, and Franklin watch as the dinosaurs run away into rural California.
Fallen Kingdom is a very successful addition to the Jurassic World film series, despite some of the critics and viewers claiming that it fell far below their expectations. From the very beginning to the end, the movie astounded the audience with its amazing special effects that nearly provided a real life experience. Furthermore, film critic David Edelstein says, “Because whatever you say about Jurassic World; the amazing special effects – not just hurtling dinosaurs but flying killer pterodactyls – make it one of the most rousing people-running-away-from-stuff movies ever made.”
[Source: dreadcentral.com]
Although some viewers claim that the movie was boring, the plot says otherwise. The storyline of the film was creative and significantly different from those of the other films in the series. The plot keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the movie, but allows them to relax once they see the dinosaurs are somewhat-safely roaming the wilderness and rural California in the end.
I had experienced a variety of emotions, but they later formed excitement when the storyline ended in a suspenseful yet relieving way, compared to the prior films, which focused on disasters. Moreover, actor Chris Pratt says in a Slash Film interview, “It was really exciting to understand we were doing something really different… I think people have high expectations for sequels. I think with this one, those expectations will be met, if not surpassed. It does something different. It opens up a new chapter. It’s called Fallen Kingdom. The kingdom of this movie… is falling and we’re (the characters) moving onto something else.”
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, like any other movie, caused some of the viewers to be disappointed and others pleased with the way things unfolded. Although Fallen Kingdom may have brought mixed emotions from the audience, it took everyone on a heck of a ride. We dove into the sci-fi world of existing dinosaurs, from the graceful-looking ones that fly in the sky to the ones munching on the high treetops to the ones always running as their tiny, hands bounce up and down.
Sabrina Mo, Grade 8
Portola Middle School
