The more sequels you put out in a franchise, the more likely you are to jump the shark.  I wouldn’t say this movie quite does that yet, but they definitely hopped a dolphin.  What made the first movie a timeless masterpiece was not just groundbreaking special effects, but a foundation of a plausible reality in which this could be true.  With every sequel they test the plausibility of that reality in an attempt to out do its predecessors.  Fallen Kingdom walks a very fine line and tests what the audience is willing to believe.  While doing that they also beat the dead horses of moral topics that each movie has previously focused on.  The morality of genetic engineering, of cloning, and animal exploitation.  Fallen Kingdom also touches on a few political topics that will get on a few peoples nerves.  That said, the CGI was great, the comedic relief was subtle and effective and the overall plot did make sense.

The acting in this movie was on par with the previous.  Chris Pratt (Owen Grady) brings his usual charming self.  He does a great job portraying intensity when needed and can jump right into a light hearted tone seamlessly.  Bryce Dallas Howard (Claire Dearing) does well but doesn’t seem to play the part of a woman largely responsible for people being eaten by extinct animals.  The supporting roles are played by Daniella Pineda (Zia Rodriguez) and Justice Smith (Franklin Webb) and they are great additions to this franchise.  They were enjoyable every time they were on screen.  The rest of the cast do their jobs well and at no point was I turned off by the acting.

With a lot of summer blockbusters this year it is understandable to make a movie that will have those epic snip its in the trailer needed to draw an attention deficit audience.  In doing so they lose a bit of that “I can definitely imagine that happening” feel.  Good CGI and acting, with a beloved franchise carry this movie.  With a tired moral concept they were still able to produce a decent story that was enjoyable most of the time.  There are a few points you just look at the screen and say “Really!?”, and that takes a little away from the movie.  Children will love it because what kid doesn’t love dino’s, but as an adult who likes to be told original entertaining stories this barely hits the bench mark.  If you own a Jurassic Park tee shirt you will enjoy this movie, but if you are a casual fan you might leave asking yourself “How many more of these do they really have in them?”.