Dino's vs The Volcano: Review of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Director: J.A Bayona

By Alex Watson

Despite some fine visual touches and some solid direction from J.A Bayona- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom fails to live up to expectations. Saddled with a dull script and lack of narrative, this picture fails to advance what seemed like a promising reboot franchise. It provides plenty of thrills, but a sequel cannot succeed just on this element alone.

Years on from the disastrous failure of Jurassic World, Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) has become a dinosaur activist. Isla Nubar is threatened with an eruption from an active volcano which could potentially wipe out dino life on earth once more. Eli Mills (Rafe Spall) proposes that Claire lead a rescue attempt for these creatures which includes recruiting disillusioned former Raptor trainer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt). However, Mills seems to take a particular interest in saving notorious female Raptor, Blue...

J.A Bayona does bring some delicate touches to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, in particular, his Spielberg-like beginning where an underwater salvage mission soon results in a T-Rex attack. These types of moments are fine and give some small rays of sunshine. Then we come to the central plot which manages to gloss all events over the last three years. The corporation has paid out over $800 million in lawsuits and Owen and Claire had a failed attempt to at romance. From the moment Mills and his benefactor Benjamin Lockwood (James Cromwell) pitch their rescue mission- it is obvious something sinister is at play. Sadly, this soon gives way to a half-baked story about the corporation wanting to weaponize dinosaurs. Well, of course, they do!

What could have been an engaging story of against the clock survival is instead swept by in a matter of minutes. Bayona makes the volcanic eruption a spectacular thing and watching a Brontosaurus essentially left for dead in a cloud of volcanic smoke is gut-wrenching. Had the script stuck this type of affair it would have raised the stakes, instead, we get yet another dull formulaic story of corporate evils looking to profit off dinosaurs. Another key issue is the supporting characters, outside of the engaging Grady and Dearing, their co-stars are reduced to being the whiny nerdy guy (Justice Smith) and the tough-talking scientist (Danielle Pineda). Though veteran Ted Levine does have some fine moments as the villain Colonel Wheatley. The side story of Jurassic World most memorable dino Blue is also good- this is one Raptor that is a must-have for the corporation and throughout she gives this picture a little more soul and smarts.

The third act of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom does at least have some commendable thrills to make up for the lack of story. Set within the confines of the Lockwood mansion, it is very much a run and hide affair. One of the key surprises comes from a new hybrid dinosaur that Ingen has cooked up. This alone sends a few shivers down the spine as it runs amock. Bayona manages recreates the cold and creepy feeling that his breakout film 'The Orphanage' provided. While we are let down by an overly sentimental ending and a frankly awful mini twist, we least get some value for money during the home stretch.

Chris Pratt shows how he is fast becoming the main man for Hollywood franchises. Owen Grady is a character more complex than he first appears- his connection to Blue is one that gives this character a needed emotional depth. Pratt also makes good use of his trademark easy charm to win over his audience. Bryce Dallas Howard makes sure she wears more appropriate footwear for this outing. Although Claire Dearing suffers from a lack of development, Howard finds a way to rise above this and give a convincing performance. It is also great to see the return of Jeff Goldblum as Ian Malcolm, his appearance may be small but his character has lost none of its appeal or wit.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a big missed opportunity for this franchise. Hopefully the return of Colin Trevorrow for the third outing with steady the ship.

Hammer Time: Review of Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok

Director: Taika Waititi

By Alex Watson

After the underwhelming sequel, 'The Dark World' many Thor fans were left wondering where the Thor could possibly go next? Getting Taiki Waititi in the director's chair was the smartest move imaginable. Thor: Ragnarok is a sharp and funny ride that finds its humor in very unlikely places. Unlike previous director`s, Waititi is given free reign and the success of the movie comes from his lack of reliance on action scenes.

When estranged sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) aka the Goddess of Death returns, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself in a tricky situation. Exiled the garbage planet of Sakaar, he finds himself forced to fight as a gladiator for the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). However, while on this planet he finds himself reacquainted with his old buddy Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and once more facing off against troublesome brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

After showcasing his unique brand of funny in his acclaimed movie `Hunt for the Wilder People`, Waititi was an unusual candidate for Thor: Ragnarok. He proves to be an inspired choice because he is the first director to really channel the comic gold this character has. Watching a dangling Thor slowly enraging villainous demon Surtur (voiced by Clancy Brown) during a threatening monologue immediately sets the tone. In other hands, the mashed together plot involving usurping, past murders and slavery could have been a messy affair. Waititi makes it seems like a breeze and keeping the focus on comedy makes this a much better viewing experience.

When Thor literally arrives with a bump on Sakaar, much of the comedy is found here. Grandmaster is the most Goldblum role that Jeff Goldblum will ever play. A smooth-talking tyrant with his fingers in many pies, Thor's entry into being a gladiator couldn't have been worded more nicely. The showdown in the arena between Odinson and the Hulk gives us a hilarious verbal and physical battle. This also lasts outside the walls as the pair squabble throughout, including a brilliant reaction by Thor to seeing the Hulk's green dick. Waititi, also plays the scene-stealing rock gladiator Korg, in his soft-spoken voice he provides the bulk of belly laughs. There's also the added problem of Loki being around. Morally ambiguous at every turn, once more his brother makes it hard for him. In this installment, sibling rivalry is present but almost takes a backseat. Although we do learn how they play the game 'Get Help' (recommended for all to try at least once).

As a villainess, Hela feels like Thor: Ragnarok's weak link. Although central to the plot she just comes across as just a moody and bitter relative. Banished from Asgard after her genocidal desires outgrew her father's, Hela has the potential to have a cold, malevolent presence. While she physically matches Thor, she lacks any kind of real threat. Although there is a fine supporting turn from Tessa Thompson as a former Valkyrie. Scarred by her past encounter with Hela, Valkyrie has resorted to heavy drinking and slave capturing to get by. Getting her on board to protect Asgard is a major hurdle and she makes Thor work for it. The emotional content of this movie also makes Ragnarok creak slightly. Waititi effortlessly blended heavier content with a light touch in Wilder people but for a picture like this, it feels unnecessary. When a movie crams so much into one film, they can't all winners, unfortunately. Aside from this, there are few grips to be had and Waititi is welcome back to tickle our ribs anytime.

Chris Hemsworth has molded Thor so well it fits him perfectly. One of the few action movie stars capable of both great depth and sheer comedy, Hemsworth once more stands out. Tom Hiddleston again makes a great love/hate figure. His facial expressions alone make his character impossible to pin down and Hiddleston is clearly loving every minute. Cate Blanchett should have been a fine nemesis but finds herself stranded in a one-note role. Mark Ruffalo is also able to find his funny side as Banner. Hilarious neurotic and forced to wear Tony Stark's tight pants, he is barely keeping his green friend inside. Anthony Hopkins in one very brief scene still shows just why he is one of few remaining greats. In a single monologue, he can conjure up feelings of remorse, fear and ultimately hope. It's a shame the central pairing didn't get more time alongside him.

Thor: Ragnarok is very much the strongest of the trilogy so far. Taika Waititi proves he can handle the big-budget pieces and let's hope the Marvel Universe brings him back for the next installment.

Welcome To Earth (Again): Review of Independence Day Resurgence

Independence Day: Resurgence

Director: Roland Emmerich

By Alex Watson

When the first trailer hit, it seemed that Roland Emmerich's sequel 20 years in the making might have hope to it. Alas despite being visually breathtaking, Independence Day: Resurgence falls short. The fundamental issue is a poor script from returning scribes Emmerich and Dean Devlin which seems genuinely confused how to handle a second alien invasion. There is plenty of bang for your buck and this picture has the entertainment factor nailed down, but this proves little more than just another underwhelming summer blockbuster.

20 years after the alien attack, Earth has rebuilt itself and peace has been declared. Former President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) is traumatized by the events he witnessed while his grown daughter Patricia (Maika Monroe) serves the current Commander in Chief. David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) is now heading up the countries defense project. While on the moon, US Pilot Jake (Liam Hemsworth) discover that another invasion is imminent from their old Alien pals. Is Earth ready to withstand another battle?

Although Emmerich will keep his crown as the king of big, silly popcorn entertainment, Independence Day: Resurgence doesn't break any new ground. It's not to say that this picture does not have its merits because the thrill factor does rank highly. Watching the 3000 miles long Alien ship re-enter Earth and cause mass devastation is as good a 3D experience as you will have this year. What is lacks is a clear cut hero- the absence of Will Smith is felt greatly throughout and despite his son Dylan (Jesse Usher) being written in, he doesn't have the natural charisma to carry the picture. The returning old guard do a good of reminding us of what made them memorable. Thomas Whitmore is now a shadow of the leader he was and is suffering from PTSD. Levinson is still the same dry humored soul we all remember and is placed under the complex problem of dealing with invaders under an impulsive President (Sela Ward).

Frequently through this picture, there are unresolved narrative threads, for example, what precisely is the relationship between Levinson and Dr. Catherine Marceaux (Charlotte Gainsbourg)? Also was it entirely necessary to give extended screentime to the assumed dead Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner)? Brought on as comedic relief, here his over-excitable presence gets under our skin quickly. Chinese fighter pilot Rain (Angelababy) draws the short straw and is giving the character depth of a shallow pool. The new addition Jake does give this movie some life with his shoot first ask questions later attitude. Orphaned by the first alien attack, he is running on pure adrenaline looking to avenge what took his family. He is also engaged to Patricia which gives us reason to root for his survival. The storytelling does make the story creak as it feels like it tries too hard to focus on the more technical side of the alien invasion rather than letting us sit back and enjoy it.

When the visual moments hit, they are a swift reminder of what a good eye Emmerich has for chaos. London and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai become rubble in a matter of seconds "They like to get the landmarks" muses David. These are the moments we pay admission for and this does for a short time improve our enjoyment of Independence Day: Resurgence. World destruction never looked so good and Emmerich gives a number of eye-popping visuals such as a hive of swarming alien ships, or an Asian freeway being slowly lifted to its doom. While the script and story may feel like a real test, including some corny dialogue "Great ready for a close encounter bitch!" this man is at home with allowing the visuals to just tell the story. If there had been more of this it could have been an easier ride. After feeling audiences wrath after attempting drama with 'Stonewall' this is could possibly be considered something of a return to natural ground.

Jeff Goldblum is a capable leading character but without Will Smith, his humor is not as memorable as before. Again David Levinson is a smart and fast thinking guy, but so much of the movie revolves around his technical plans to save Earth. Bill Pullman possibly walks away with the most eye-opening performance with his now troubled Whitmore. Under the influence of an Alien queen, he knows what is about to go down but is powerless. Though we have to suspend our disbelief watching him pull on the flight once again. Liam Hemsworth gives this picture a fresher feel, it's not a role that will boost his star potential but does again prove him to be a solid player in blockbusters. As Madame President, Sela Ward is given a fraction of the screen time required and is given little else to do other than order people to shoot.

It may be yet another big money disappointment, but Independence Day: Resurgence is still a good dose of big and dumb fun. Roland Emmerich may yet be back for another close encounter soon, next time just stick to the basics.