Michael Aisenberg

Tho a bit long, and a bit distracted with techno-predicates and plot diversions-some left unresolved—overall this is the first sequel since the original that makes real sense and doesn’t feel overly cluttered with gratuitous non-Chrichton elements. And many critics and professors of cinema deride the use of voice-over and textplanations—which this film begins with. But genetics is complicated. The return of 5 original characters and the introduction and impressive visual realization of a dozen new animals provides an enormously captivating story, threaded and blending between the intensely private issues of Maize and Beta and the globally significant genetics of the locust plague and the future of the planet’s habitability for all species. The attacks, escapes and Dino-battles are big and intense. And BD Wong’s contrition and redemption is complete and convincing. The film does demand close attention; the predicates and twists are sometimes the product of very brief dialogue snips and phrases —which with the roaring of engines and dinosaurs is sometimes obscured in the echo of big Dolby theaters.Some are from Ellie and Alan under their breath and away from camera (perhaps a new continuity cut would help?) . But in Toto, this film is an impressive contribution to the Jurassic library—one unlike the last 4 —which I never “plan” for viewing on small screens-I will look forward to my second and subsequent opportunities to view this.

The subtext of the insidious undercurrent of anti-Semitism masquerading as institutional normality wraps the film as a timely exploration in this wonderful Roth story. Marcus’ real understanding of the world was apparently already ingrained in him before arriving in Ohio. His history class revelation regarding Massachusetts Bay Colony Puritan practice provides an explicit articulation of the hypocrisy of his college’s tradition. It’s real impact on him forms an all too real and familiar fabric with an all too drastic outcome. The thread from the pre-Holocaust rhetoric of Father Coughlin to modern Charlottesville runs through “Winesburg College.”