Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is the movie where the Jurassic franchise officially jumped the shark—or jumped the mosasaurus, I guess.

The critical consensus is clear: 47% on Rotten Tomatoes, a dismal 2.7/5 on Letterboxd, and audiences shrugging with a 48% score. It's loud, it's chaotic, and it mistakes volume for excitement. The original Jurassic Park had wonder and intelligence; this has CGI dinosaurs running around while things explode.

For kids who are genuinely dinosaur-obsessed and can handle scary content, sure, there are dinosaurs doing dinosaur things. But be warned: this has some legitimately frightening sequences that will upset younger viewers, including a scene where a dinosaur breaks into a kid's bedroom that plays like a horror movie.

The bigger issue is that it's just not very good. The plot is nonsensical, the characters make stupid decisions constantly, and any interesting ethical questions about genetic engineering or animal rights get buried under volcanic ash and explosions. Your 12-year-old might have fun with the spectacle, but you'll be checking your phone.

If you want dinosaur content for your kids, rewatch the original Jurassic Park or try a good documentary series instead. This is franchise fatigue in blockbuster form.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-14 who can handle sustained intense action and scary imagery. Common Sense Media's age 12+ recommendation is spot-on—younger kids will likely find it too frightening, while older teens will recognize it for the mediocre blockbuster it is. Adults might tolerate it if they're franchise completists, but it's not good enough to recommend broadly.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

45

Features intense peril, scary dinosaur attacks, and some morally ambiguous characters exploiting animals for profit. Lacks strong positive role models or meaningful emotional depth. The pacing is chaotic with relentless action sequences that don't leave room for reflection or character development. Some cooperation between Owen and Claire, but overshadowed by constant danger and destruction.

Imaginative

55

The premise of rescuing dinosaurs from a volcano is inherently creative, and the dinosaur designs remain visually impressive. However, this is the fifth film in the franchise and the formula feels tired—it's mostly retreading familiar ground with bigger explosions. There's little genuine wonder or curiosity about the dinosaurs themselves; they're mostly just CGI monsters to run from. Doesn't inspire much creative thinking or exploration beyond 'wow, big dinosaur.'

Safe

40

Common Sense Media rates this for age 12+, which signals significant intense content. Features prolonged sequences of dinosaurs attacking and eating people (though not graphically gory), children in serious peril, scary imagery including a dinosaur breaking into a child's bedroom, and some disturbing scenes of animal cruelty/exploitation. A character is crushed and eaten on-screen. The volcanic destruction scenes are intense and frightening. While there's no sexual content or strong language, the sustained intensity and scary moments make this genuinely frightening for younger viewers.

Enriching

35

Touches on themes of animal rights, genetic ethics, and corporate greed, but handles them superficially. The movie raises questions about whether we should save endangered (cloned) species and the morality of weaponizing animals, but doesn't explore these meaningfully—it's too busy with explosions. Characters make questionable decisions without real consequences or growth. The entertainment value is there for action fans, but it's hollow spectacle without much substance or lasting insight. Critical reception (47% RT critics, 48% audience, 2.7/5 Letterboxd) reflects that even as popcorn entertainment, it's considered a disappointment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If your kid is obsessed with dinosaurs and big action sequences, there's plenty of both—T-rexes, raptors, and a new hybrid monster
Touches on animal rights and genetic ethics themes that could spark discussions, even if the movie itself doesn't explore them deeply
The visual effects are impressive and the dinosaurs look great, which is really the main draw at this point
Fast-paced enough that kids who loved the first Jurassic World might stay engaged despite the weak plot

⚠

What to Watch For

Genuinely scary sequences including dinosaurs attacking people, a bedroom invasion scene, and intense volcanic destruction—this isn't the family-friendly wonder of the original Jurassic Park
People die on-screen (eaten, crushed), and while it's not gory, it's clear what's happening and can be disturbing
Weak storytelling and character development mean it's mostly just loud spectacle—don't expect meaningful lessons or emotional depth
The 47% critic score isn't a fluke; even as popcorn entertainment, this is considered one of the franchise's weakest entries

Conversation Starters

"If you could actually bring back extinct animals, should we? What would be the problems with that?"
"The bad guys wanted to sell dinosaurs as weapons. Why is that wrong? What other animals do humans use that might raise similar questions?"
"Owen and Claire kept going back to save the dinosaurs even when it was dangerous. When is it worth risking your safety to help animals or others?"
"The movie shows people making dinosaurs in a lab. What do you think are the rules scientists should follow when they're creating new life?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom