10 Ways The ‘Jurassic World’ Trilogy Aged Poorly

The ‘Jurassic World’ film series started off strongly in 2015, reintroducing dinosaurs to movie screens with a fresh vibe. Viewers were excited to witness a modern interpretation of the classic ‘Jurassic Park’, but over time, the trilogy’s luster has faded, exposing elements that make it seem outdated.

As a long-time fan of dinosaurs on the big screen, it’s with a heavy heart that I confess my disappointment in revisiting the ‘Jurassic World’ trilogy. Time has not been kind to these films, and they struggle to keep up with today’s cinematic standards. In this review, I’ll outline ten reasons why the Jurassic World franchise seems to have lost its once-thundering roar.

From questionable plot development to outdated visual effects, the series has fallen short of meeting modern expectations. Let’s dive in and uncover what went wrong and why these movies just don’t pack the same prehistoric punch they once did.

Overreliance on CGI in ‘Jurassic World’ (2015)

In contrast to the initial Jurassic Park movie from 1993 that skillfully blended practical and computer-generated effects for a realistic vibe, this film’s dinosaurs tend to appear as if they’ve been plucked straight out of high-gloss video games, lacking the gritty authenticity of their predecessors.

Revising this for a natural and easy-to-read style: This version lacks the authentic tactility that made the originals so captivating. Today, it appears more like a virtual roller coaster rather than a convincing universe, which diminishes the impact of the story’s consequences.

Weak Character Development in ‘Jurassic World’ (2015)

Characters such as Owen Grady and Claire Dearing initially seem intriguing, yet they eventually develop into typical stereotypes. Their character development appears contrived, offering minimal complexity beyond action-oriented dialogue and a foreseeable romantic connection.

I find it challenging to invest emotionally in their storyline due to the scarcity of character development. Contemporary viewers yearn for more profound characters, and the movie’s underdeveloped personas seem like a squandered chance when placed alongside the unforgettable ensemble from the initial trilogy.

Unconvincing Science in ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ (2018)

In the follow-up, they brought in genetically modified dinosaurs such as the Indoraptor, which made the scientific aspect seem more like a cartoonish depiction. The concept of combining DNA with contemporary creatures appears to be more related to science fiction fantasy than the biologically feasible genetics shown in previous movies.

In light of our increasing understanding of genetic engineering, these storylines now appear implausible and disconnected from real-world context. They undermine the engaging realism that once set this series apart.

Pacing Issues in ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ (2018)

The plot of the movie leaps between scenes of volcanic explosions and secretive activities in mansions, barely allowing suspense to develop. The scenes seem hurried, as intense action overpowers more reflective moments that might have enriched the narrative.

Instead of maintaining a steady rhythm, the film’s pace seems disorganized at present, particularly in contrast to well-structured blockbuster movies. The imbalance lends an air of being a collection of incidents rather than a unified narrative.

Dated Gender Dynamics in ‘Jurassic World’ (2015)

Claire’s character development, transitioning from a strict businesswoman to an action heroine, seems rooted in outdated gender stereotypes. The process of her transformation appears to involve trading in femininity for toughness, which feels discordant with contemporary perspectives on gender roles.

Today’s audience seems to prefer complex character depictions over simpler ones, finding the latter less relatable. Modern films often feature stronger, more well-rounded characters compared to this approach.

Overblown Villains in ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ (2022)

In the last movie, the villains, such as the over-the-top CEO Lewis Dodgson, seem more like exaggerated representations of corporate greed rather than realistic portrayals. Unlike earlier adversaries like John Hammond, who had layered motivations, these new villains’ goals appear too extreme and lack the nuance that made their predecessors compelling.

In today’s era of realistic narratives, excessive villains seem reminiscent of a simpler time in blockbuster production, thereby diminishing the film’s emotional impact.

Or:

Exaggerated villains appear outdated in our current trend of grounded storytelling, lessening the emotional depth of the movie.

Both versions convey the same idea but with slight differences in phrasing and structure.

Lack of Awe in ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ (2022)

As a dedicated cinephile, I must admit that the original “Jurassic Park” left me spellbound, especially when the Brachiosaurus made its grand entrance. However, in attempting to replicate this magic, “Dominion” seems to miss the mark, with dinosaurs appearing more like props than awe-inspiring beings.

The lack of wonder in this movie leaves it feeling unfulfilling. Today’s audiences, accustomed to stunning visuals from other series, often miss the enchanting allure that was once present.

Repetitive Themes Across the Trilogy (2015-2022)

The trilogy repeatedly emphasizes similar themes – corporate avarice and meddling with divine forces – without introducing new perspectives. Concepts that seemed daring in 2015 have grown tired by 2022, as the movies failed to update or expand upon the franchise’s original messages.

Today’s viewers anticipate that franchises should evolve thematically. If a series fails to introduce fresh concepts, it can seem outdated, repeating familiar cautionary tales from the past.

Underused Legacy Characters in ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ (2022)

As a fan, it was thrilling to see Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, and Ian Malcolm return, but it seemed like they were more like special appearances than integral characters. Instead of fully utilizing their presence to connect the original trilogy with its origins, their roles appeared to take a backseat, leaving untapped opportunities for them to truly anchor the story in its past.

Today, this selection seems regrettable, given that fans were yearning for a more profound link to the initial movies. Instead, the film appears detached from the tradition it vowed to uphold and preserve.

Inconsistent Tone Across the Trilogy (2015-2022)

The trilogy alternates between action, terror, and family-oriented escapades, yet fails to establish a distinct persona for itself. ‘Jurassic World’ has a park-centered thrill ride feel, ‘Fallen Kingdom’ delves into gothic dread, and ‘Dominion’ aims to be an epic conclusion.

In today’s cinema landscape, a consistent tone is crucial in big-budget films to avoid dissonance. However, the varying moods of this trilogy complicate our ability to perceive it as a singular narrative.

2025-07-20 19:47