A mediocre sequel to “Jurassic World,” that offers nothing too original to the recently-revived franchise. The plot is pretty weak. It uses fairly cliché means to get out heroes to Jurassic World, and then takes an underwhelming turn once things shift back to the mainland. Escaping an erupting volcano on an island full of dinosaurs sounds like a more exciting climax than the game of cat and mouse that ends the film. With the plot so flimsy and unoriginal, it’s easier to notice all the other flaws. Smart characters make some really dumb decisions, people are constantly unaware of approaching giant reptiles, and things that are unbelievably lethal are brushed off with no more than scratches. The effects look good and there’s some great imagery, but there’s no stand out action sequences and little tension when it comes to the main characters. There’s also a big plot twist with one character that is glossed over, and that lessens a pivotal moment later. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are still likable, but they don’t get a chance to inject much personality for the final third of the movie. The humor is fine, but occasionally overdone. There is a short scene after the credits, but it is not worth sticking around for.
** out of *****