Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

This review may contain spoilers!

I enjoyed Jurassic World but this sequel delivers an experience much more akin to past Jurassic features. I would give Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom an 8.5/10.

What works for these Jurassic World films every single time is the idea that including poignant moments of nostalgia will cement the story being told for it's viewing audience. This film several times references the idea that as children we find the idea of living dinosaurs to be a sort of myth or fantasy rings completely true, and linking this feeling to the original Jurassic Park films is a nice way to manage this. This film goes a step beyond the first one by not focusing inherently on making this a 'monster movie', in fact, this is more a film about the ethics of allowing dinosaur life to continue. Something that we can so easily fear as a predator being allowed to exist within the natural cycle is an interesting debate and the film really takes the time to map it out and explore it all to the backdrop of an action-packed blockbuster. The nice move to compare a cloned human being who we have emphasised with making a choice in this matter is really an affirming part of the film and jets this sequel well beyond its predecessor.

The cinematography is nothing short of impressive, capturing visually incredible action sequences but also taking moments out to take in staggering environments or moments of kinship with the CGI dinosaurs. The dinosaurs in question look great; the designs for Blue and the T-Rex continue to impress but I thought the Indoraptor (despite its lousy name) looked great as well. The cinematography and effects culminate in a particularly moving scene with the destruction of Isla Nublar and some members of the dino population, this scene alone is worth the price of admission I would argue. The score really calls back some impressive movies from the original films but I love how this time around it dares to be more than the famous tracks of the past and creates a sound really unique to the Jurassic World features.

Chris Pratt, who played Owen Grady, is a great lead role for these films; Pratt has shown a lot of versatility in this role and crafted a rugged survivalist that is quite juxtaposed to some of his more familiar roles from Guardians of the Galaxy, Parks and Rec or The Lego Movie. Rafe Spall, who played Eli Mills, brought something to this Jurassic World that the last one lacked: a brilliant human antagonist; Spall's ability to portray such a charismatic figure at first really was deceptive as we saw the figure who was driven by greed unveiled. Daniella Pineda, who played Zia Rodriguez, may have been woefully underused but she certainly made herself known; Pineda played a firecracker of a character and rallied against the corrupt forces around her at any chance she could get. James Cromwell, who played Benjamin Lockwood, was such a sincere, kindly role; Cromwell portrayed a role who appeared physically weak but had a resolute inner strength to his character. Toby Jones, who played Mr Eversol, immediately assumes the mantle of a black market auctioneer like a second skin; Jones goes at this role with an incredible air of professionalism and much akin to Spall's role is guided by the avarice at the core of his character. Ted Levine, who played Ken Wheatley, is yet another exceptional antagonist amongst the many in the cast; Levine emanates a very casual threatening persona which makes him all the more dangerous in the scenes he comes up against the protagonists. BD Wong, who played Dr Wu, has such intelligence and wisdom in this role; Wong brings great depths to the Jurassic series as the dark geneticist/creator of these creatures. Isabella Sermon, who played Maisie Lockwood, continues the Jurassic series trend of recognising incredible young talent; Sermon barrels into scenes like an action hero herself and the emotional revelation about the nature of her character's existence is extremely well portrayed.

However, the best performance came from Jeff Goldblum, who played Ian Malcolm. This is an interesting pick quite honestly as Goldblum is only in about two scenes of the film. Yet there's something about having the presence of this role back in the mix that immediately raises the stakes of this particular film, pinning on that nostalgic feeling straight away. Goldblum tactically plays a very matter of fact, intellectual reprisal of Malcolm, this time discussing the philosophy behind genetic warfare and the threat of crafting a new species very eloquently. This is a character who has witnessed the events he experienced from the first Jurassic Park films and knows the danger to come; much like a prophet too late you can't help but feel Goldblum is posing the idea that doom is coming for humanity.

The film presents a very interesting debate to watch play out yet one of the major flaws is that you can't help but feel some of the characters take a moral stance that comes across as quite extreme, or doesn't feel very natural coming off the last Jurassic World. Including the Indoraptor as an antagonist isn't the best call either, a significant critique for the first film was that the Indominus-Rex made the feature different in tone than past Jurassic films. At its heart audiences go to watch a film about dinosaurs, providing a focus upon a monster dinosaur-hybrid each time is a definite way to lose what makes this series so important to its audience.

Bryce Dallas Howard, who played Claire Dearing, didn't work well as a lead protagonist in the last film and still hasn't found her place in the sequel; Howard's role takes a stance that seems quite opposed to where we left her last time and it becomes hard to rationalise her motives in this feature. Justice Smith, who played Franklin Webb, is the one role this film could've really done without; his shrill, whiny tech support character is an incredible stereotype and grows dull after his first scene. Geraldine Chaplin, who played Iris, isn't very unique as the strict nanny character; Chaplin doesn't have any chemistry with her young onscreen ward and you sadly never feel her connection to those she cares for.

Tag

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This is a brilliant example of a great comedy film with a sense of meaning behind it that few comedies possess these days. I would give Tag a 7.5/10.

This is a really entertaining and fun film that captures the whimsical energy of a child's sense of fun and what it's like to keep that feeling into your adult years. The incredible chemistry between the main characters and the bond they have around playing tag together their whole life makes this a charming film to watch, and the humour stems really strongly from the ludicrous attempts of 'one-upmanship'. At its heart this film just simply works because it knows how to deliver a message; the strength we gain from the bonds of friendship and the value of having fun in life is really presented extremely well here. The over the top action sequences set alongside to this game of tag is really well presented and will really impress you. The score for the film kept the mood for the film very consistent, yet the soundtrack was the true triumph with many of the tracks enhancing the scenes or being used to incredible comedic effect.

Ed Helms, who played Hogan 'Hoagie' Malloy, is a great protagonist for this film and has found one of his best roles to date; Helms has a real knack at presenting ridiculous boyish charm while juxtaposing this with an incredibly meaningful delivery of the film's moral. LilRel Howery, who played Reggie, was a nice introduction to the film's sense of humour; Howery's ability to ground exaggerated and heightened moments back to reality is a nice way of circumventing expectations. Jon Hamm, who played Bob Callahan, is quite a charismatic and charming member of the main cast; his portrayal of being more arrogant and worldly than the others due to his success was a fun persona to see played out. Isla Fisher, who played Anna Malloy, is completely crazy throughout this whole endeavour; Fisher's aggressive, almost violent role is incredibly full of energy in any given scene that she's in. Hannibal Buress, who played Kevin Sable, has a really interesting role who tends to speak what first comes to his mind; Buress plays a very unpredictable role who's wide range of knowledge and vocabulary often make him a random, yet funny character to watch. Leslie Bibb, who played Susan Rollins, plays such a heightened sweet role when first you meet her that you can't help but empathise with her; yet Bibb does an amazing job of flipping your expectations and revealing a role who is devious and driven by a desire to win like her onscreen fiance.

However, the best performance came from Jeremy Renner, who played Jerry Pierce. Renner does a great job of balancing this role so that he feels like a good friend to the main cast but also a worthy antagonist for the film. Renner has a very cocky and confident demeanour throughout, a certainty of winning that makes him a hard opponent in this relentless game of tag. Jerry's tactics really go to extreme depths and Renner seems to have a ton of fun feeling out the extremes his character would go to win. There is a fantastic scene at the film's end in which Renner reunites with his friends and you truly feel the sense of camaraderie this game has brought about.

This is a really strong comedy but it suffers quite consistently with common flaws in modern comedies, often there are minor scenes fuelled by lowbrow jokes that rob the film of its heart and humour. The use of love triangle subplots is another angle that just feels like a reason to make up some time in this film, the Cheryl subplot is an awkward fit and adds nothing to the main story of worth. The cinematography looks great in moments of action for the most part, yet most of the film has ill shot dialogue scenes or moments where the framing could look a lot nicer than it is. The editing for the film is slow and sets a leisurely pace, the film suffers from this a bit and could have certainly benefitted from some better cutting.

Annabelle Wallis, who played Rebecca Crosby, sits in the background a lot until the film really demands that she be there; Wallis' role only really exists to prompt exposition and affirm the film's 'based on a true story' angle. Jake Johnson, who played Randy 'Chilli' Cilliano, is quite definitively the weak link of the main cast; Johnson presents a stereotypical stoner role with little charm and presence. Nora Dunn, who played Linda Malloy, is just a creepy character; there's nothing funny or entertaining about her role and it's probably for the best that she has so few scenes. Steve Berg, who played Lou Seibert, is a rather hapless character who feels like he really forces his role quite a bit; Berg's performance doesn't do anything new and he doesn't add much more than exposition in a couple of scenes. Rashida Jones, who played Cheryl Deakins, looks like she knows her role has been tacked on to make the most meaningless subplot ever; Jones doesn't put much into her character and you feel that when it comes to her chemistry with Johnson and Hamm. Thomas Middleditch, who played Dave, is a real speedbump in this film; the feature had a couple moments where crude humour won out over some of their better material and Middleditch's role is probably the biggest example of that. Brian Dennehy, who played Randy's Father, is such an out there and gross role that it helps shape a poor perception of Johnson's character; the pair don't feel like father and son and the whole scene just feels like something more out of a stoner comedy.

Ocean's 8

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This is a charming imitation that never really manages to achieve anything on its own merits. I would give Ocean's 8 a 5.5/10.

There are several scenes that manage to boast and light quirky tone, one that manages to be sustained for most of the film. It is this light tone and effort to entertain that makes this film flow, you enjoy moments when you can laugh or see the events of the heist as they develop. The editing for the film is probably the major standout, with shot after shot sweeping and cutting away in the style of previous Ocean's films.

Elliot Gould and Shaobo Qin, who played Reuben and Yen respectively, are brilliant cameos and really recapture their roles of old; Gould's return as the heart of the team is a nice touch and moment in which the torch is 'passed on'. Helena Bonham Carter, who played Rose Weil, is quite tragic and at her wits end when first we meet her; it grows quite funny watching Carter play the more bumbling and unskilled member of the heist job. Mindy Kaling, who played Amita, is quite soft-spoken and wonderstruck by the events and new things she learns from her teammates throughout; Kaling is one of the more grounded performers in this and also plays her comedic motivations for wanting to be a part of the heist very well. Awkwafina, who played Constance, has a very fresh delivery and plays quite an interesting street pickpocket; Awkwafina's role comes across as highly skilled while giving the team a more youthful perspective. Sarah Paulson, who played Tammy, is hilariously tense and strained by life in suburbia when first we're introduced to her; the contrast of Paulson being so gleeful once she begins preparing for the heist makes her role one to watch. Nathanya Alexander, who played Veronica, seems hyper-intelligent and a nice support to Rihanna's character; Alexander may not be in this film for long but her quick banter with her on-screen sister makes for a charming relationship. James Corden, who played John Frazier, is extremely funny as the world-weary insurance fraud agent; Corden's dry wit and interrogation techniques make for an unconventional and unique performance.

However, the best performance came from Anne Hathaway, who played Daphne Kluger. This role is quite a nice parody of celebrity culture, in which Hathaway gets to play up a certain haughtiness and vanity to great effect. The manner in which this role flaunts herself and holds herself above others makes her seem naive and a good target for this film. In fact, watching Hathaway play through the scenes in which she is 'duped' is pretty entertaining. Yet the decision to affirm the character of Daphne as being very aware of the heist and a player in the scheme is a nice move; making Hathaway's actress character a bit of a black widow for the main antagonist and his ultimate downfall.

This film breaks the big rule of 'show don't tell', often illustrating the direction the narrative will play out scenes before we are delivered the content. Everything happens quite distinctly: the introduction of the main cast, planning of the heist, the heist and getting away with it. It grows dull pretty fast that the characters never feel challenged or that even at the moments where the stakes are at their highest we don't feel any tension or suspense as an audience. Ultimately, even attempts at pulling off plot twist crash and burn; Daphne becoming a part of the team means that Claude is left as the rather mild force behind any semblance of conflict in the film and it's no great shock when we find out more was stolen than we originally thought. The cinematography showed a lack of creative shooting, we were presented with important characters and things but gone was the wild and innovative camerawork of the original Ocean's trilogy. The score for the film came across as a more watered down version of the original themes, while the soundtrack was forgettable and didn't lend the desired impact to scenes.

Sandra Bullock, who played Debbie Ocean, was quite bland as the main protagonist of the film; she often came across as cold and harsh making her character hard to like. Cate Blanchett, who played Lou, really doesn't have any engaging chemistry as Bullock's best friend/p[artner in crime; Blanchett seems tied to a very dry role that tows behind Bullock in the background. Richard Armitage, who played Claude Becker, is the supposed antagonist of this film; yet while he seems like a bit of a jerk the film never really cements him strongly as someone to dislike. Rihanna, who played Nine Ball, just has no personality in her performance or character; the snarky nature of this role makes her hard to like and is probably the most forgettable of 'Ocean's 8'. Dakota Fanning, who played Penelope Stern, is an unusual minor role that is meant to come across as a glamorous celebrity; Fanning never really pushes this and it merely feels like a thin cameo at best.

Upgrade

This review may contain spoilers!

An ambitiously unique concept that is hampered by a flawed execution of the story. I would give Upgrade a 6/10.

This is a dystopian thriller that does the 'dangerous' A.I. storyline a little differently than what we've seen in the past; after mechanic, Grey, is left quadriplegic after a terrible assault he must accept the assistance of a computer implant that will allow him to walk again and exact his revenge. The film comes from the producers of Get Out and Happy Death Day so it's no great surprise to see a nice display of dark wit, in fact, the grim sense of humour is the strength of this feature consistently. This is a film that escalates well and examines how a symbiotic relationship between man and machine can turn from supportive to toxic, equally the dramatic intensity of the action escalates alongside this message. Visually this film has a very clear sense of what it is trying to achieve; the claustrophobic close-ups that indicate Grey's pain after becoming a quadriplegic to the jarring, jerky camera movements when he gains the ability to walk again. The deliberate camera movements and unnatural way of filming fight sequences really is great foreshadowing of the true nature of Stem and what he is ultimately revealed to be. The special effects are highly commendable too, with futuristic landscapes and vehicles hinting at a dystopian future that resembles a world not too far removed from our own, the designs are sophisticated and make you intrigued as the story unfolds. Even the score for the film has a shrill, alarming pitch that will grow more and more unnerving throughout, turning a backing track for action into a tense theme of transition.

Logan Marshall-Green, who played Grey Trace, does a great job as the protagonist for this film; he plays the moments of despair his character faces extremely well and his moments of indecision in the face of intense events really grounds this role. Betty Gabriel, who played Cortez, is quite a mild-mannered and likeable detective role with some witty repartee; yet as the feature progressed Gabriel developed an intensity to her character and you could see this character very capably closing in on the actions of the protagonist. Clayton Jacobson, who played Manny, is quite a minor role yet a nice touch to the film; a man of few words with a tough look about him who very comedically runs a very handicapped friendly seedy bar. Melanie Vallejo, who played Asha Trace, is exceptionally charismatic and full of life onscreen; Vallejo is very relaxed and has some nice romantic chemistry with Marshall-Green.

However, the best performance came from Simon Maiden, who voiced Stem. When first introduced to this character we are greeted by a very proper-sounding voice who evidenced a dry wit. Stem adds the aspect to the film that we're quite eager for and really shifts the dynamic of the narrative. Maiden's very monotonous and calm delivery of some frankly grim and dark lines are unnerving and highlights the transition of Stem from protagonist to antagonist. The casual malice that Stem delivers by the end of the film makes him seem hungry and possessive, through Maiden the film really achieves a lot of what it sets out to do.

This film never really tries to be subtle, in fact, you'll never really be too surprised with the direction and development of the story. A bit more disappointing than that is how transparent the themes of the film are; we're constantly being reminded to fear technology and what it can progress into but it's quite shallow in how this theme is delivered. The ending of the film attempts to pull off a major twist of making Stem the antagonist, but by this point, you're fairly aware of what's going to happen and how things are going to play out. The fact this reveal and the discussion around Stem's motivations are so rushed is disappointing and the swift transition into an unhappy ending isn't satisfying to watch as an audience member. The unhappy ending is bold and quite clever, but the journey there clearly needed a lot more work.

Linda Cropper, who played Pamela, feels ridiculously miscast in her role as Marshall-Green's mother; the pair never really display much chemistry and Cropper feels a bit tacked on to the rest of the film. Harrison Gilbertson, who played Eron, overexaggerates his role's lack of social awkwardness to the extent his role comes off as forced; Gilbertson doesn't really hide anything back and it's pretty clear his submissive yet antagonistic qualities set him up for his role in the endgame of the film. Benedict Hardie, who played Fisk, is a puzzling antagonist to watch; this role doesn't feel like a soldier and his bleeding heart about being an 'upgraded human' is a source of worldbuilding that never really gets explored.