Entertainment
Review: Jurassic World Dominion
Is it the worst movie of 2022?
The Jurassic World trilogy makes little effort to hide the fact that it follows the blueprint of the Star Wars sequels.
Sure, Jurassic World preceded The Force Awakens by a few months, but the bones are all there. Start with a reintroduction that rehashes the original story, go left with a new director on the sequel, then bring it all home with a big legacy finale.
There’s just three problems:
- While I appreciate Jurassic World’s cynical subtext, it’s no The Force Awakens.
- Interesting foray into small-scale horror aside, Fallen Kingdom doesn’t come close to The Last Jedi as a piece of cinema.
- As irreparably bad as The Rise of Skywalker is, it’s no Jurassic World Dominion.
It could definitely be said that Dominion takes notes from the sort of roller coaster filmmaking attempted by Rise of Skywalker and fine-tuned by Spider-Man: No Way Home. Story beats come and go, with instant emotional gratification at the forefront. References to the classic movies supersede plot, characters, even action.
But as many head-scratching decisions as there are in Rise of Skywalker, they generally become clear once you apply this framework. Jurassic World Dominion, on the other hand, undermines its very premise almost instantly. This sets up a carnival of disappointment where literal dinosaurs are a light seasoning and metaphorical dinosaurs roam the Earth.
This popular tweet opines that the Jurassic Park franchise has consistently bungled an inherently winning premise. Before seeing the new film, I was ready to argue that “dinosaur chomp chomp human” is actually not much of a movie once the novelty of dinosaurs wears off.
Whether or not you feel the same, it’s hard not to argue that Dominion is wasteful on the dinosaur front. Fallen Kingdom ended with the promise of dinosaurs set loose on human society. This movie’s opening newsreel lets us know that the problem is now 80% under control. The animals wreaking havoc in this film are not lifesize dinosaurs, but squirrel-sized locusts.
Truly, only the mind behind The Book of Henry could bring you a Jurassic Park movie where the primary enemy is locusts. Director Colin Trevorrow teased the new Giganotosaurus character as the dinosaur equivalent of the Joker. As insane as that already sounds, the truth is even more absurd: the Giga appears in all of two scenes before her climactic showdown with the T-rex.
This is the film’s main issue: in a film meant to deliver on the promise of a Jurassic world, the dinosaurs are never more than set dressing. Instead, we follow the anemic adventures of Jurassic World’s new protagonists alongside Jurassic Park’s iconic trio. The latter have somehow all turned into Mr. Bean since we last saw them.
Goldblum gives Goldblum, Dern gives Dern, but you’d swear that Sam Neill hasn’t acted since 1993. The only person who looks less happy to be here is Chris Pratt. He’s gotten so miserably bored of being the biggest star in the world that he’s now exclusively interested in voice work and streaming shows that don’t exist.
It’s almost not worth talking about Bryce Dallas Howard, who’s played a completely different character in each of these movies. The movie gets a bit of juice out of Campbell Scott, who replaces disgraced actor Cameron Thor as the weaselly Dr. Dodgson.
If it seems like there’s too many cooks in the kitchen, you don’t know the half of it. I haven’t even gotten to the cloned child from the previous movie (now a jaded teen played by Isabella Sermon) or the helpful rogue agent of BioSyn (Mamoudou Athie). There’s a sliding scale of importance, but Dominion certainly has no fewer than six protagonists.
There are fleeting moments of joy in this movie, but nothing to write home about. All told, this Jurassic World trilogy has amounted to a multi-billion-dollar wash. Part of it is the lack of a Spielberg at the helm. Part of it is the groundbreaking visual effects of the original, which no follow-up could ever match.
Still, there’s more to it than that. Story, character, dialogue, pacing, every element of this series seems out of whack. On a level, Jurassic World was a cynical commentary on reboot culture. But they always knew they’d have to try to bring it all home with this finale. The premise is flawed, but the ideas are truly rotten.
Will a torrent of bad reviews have an effect on this movie’s numbers? Maybe, maybe not. The last two made a billion each, and our current choked-out film market leaves it with less competition.
One can’t help but wonder if new streaming releases like Fire Island and Hustle could’ve eaten away at Jurassic’s returns with a wide theatrical release. Instead, its only competition are indie releases like Neptune Frost (an Afrofuturist musical that’s much more worth your time).
Jurassic World Dominion is poorly-written, poorly-acted, and even poorly-lit. But above all, it’s poorly-conceived, a perfunctory sequel to a franchise of obligation. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom made a billion dollars four years ago, and most of us would be hard-pressed to even remember the title. The two kids who were the main characters of Jurassic World don’t even appear in this one!
Even fans of Jurassic World and its iconic characters like Owen Grady, Claire Dearing, and Maisie Lockwood (100 points if you can remember who that is) will struggle to enjoy Dominion. Worst movie of 2022? Maybe, but definitely the least worth your money. F
Jurassic World Dominion is now playing in theaters.
Taylor Swift’s journey in music has been nothing but extraordinary, phenomenal, even. From a young country music singer-songwriter to a global pop culture icon, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a successful artist. With a $1.6 billion real-time net worth as of this writing, her fortune is built not only on her musical talent but also from her savvy business acumen and deep connection with her fans.
Taylor Swift’s Rise to Stardom
First making a name in the world of country music, Taylor Swift began her musical journey as a teenage prodigy. She signed with Big Machine Records at the age of 14, and by 2006, she had released her self-titled album.
This gained her much-needed attention, thanks to the incredible mix of catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a distinct country-pop sound. A few tracks (Tim McGraw and Teardrops on My Guitar) became instant hits and anthems for her young listeners. Swift’s amazing ability to capture the complexities of adolescence resonated loudly with fans and, with much authenticity, built her a loyal following.
The release of her 2014 album, 1989, showcased Swift’s exploration of a broader musical territory. Her transition from country to pop was met with critical and commercial success, paving the way for a larger global audience and expanding her reach beyond country music. This album cemented her position as a mainstream pop icon.
Since then, Swift has garnered recognition, including 12 Grammy Awards, while solidifying her status as a cultural icon.
The Business of Taylor Swift
Another significant component of Taylor Swift’s success comes from her keen business acumen. Early in her career, she made one of her most strategic moves: securing the ownership of her songwriting rights. Her deal with Big Machine Records resulted in the label owning the rights to her first six albums.
To gain control over her creative work, Swift rerecorded and rereleased her music, calling them Taylor’s Versions. This was met with immense commercial success while raising awareness about the challenges artists face in the music industry. This positioned her as a voice for change and a powerful advocate for fellow musicians.
The business savvy didn’t end with Taylor Swift’s music. Endorsements, investments, and partnerships also added to her wealth. Then there’s the merchandising empire, which is a huge part of Taylor Swift’s financial success. Swifties, as her fans call themselves, are fiercely loyal and would buy exclusive merch tied to Swift’s albums, tours, and personal branding.
The Financial Impact of “The Eras Tour”
And the buck doesn’t stop there. The Eras Tour has been a game-changer for Taylor Swift. It set new records and reshaped the live music industry. It became one of the highest-grossing in history, with some estimates at over a billion dollars in revenue. While it showcases her universal appeal, it also boosted economies in cities around the world.
Each of Swift’s performances became a celebration of her musical journey. They were replete with stunning stage designs, elaborate setlists, and personal storytelling, creating an immersive experience that gave the show a once-in-a-lifetime feel.
The influx of Swifties impacted host cities economically. Local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation benefited greatly from the tour.
Taylor Swift: The Savvy Businesswoman
Carefully managing her brand and image led Taylor Swift to success beyond her music. She evolved with her audience but remained true to her values. Controlling her narrative, she has crafted a relatable yet aspirational persona that resonates well with millions.
Additionally, Swift has aligned her brand with various social causes, reinforcing her image as a musician and entrepreneur who uses her success to make a positive impact. She does this by using her platform to speak out on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, women’s empowerment, political activism, and overall encouraging change.
The Road to a Billion
Taylor Swift’s road to billionaire status is a result of her diverse income streams. We now know her wealth comes from music royalties, specifically The Eras Tour, merchandise sales, and smart investments. She further strengthened her financial portfolio by investing in real estate, tech companies, and her own production company.
When you compare her to other artists who have reached billionaire status, such as Rihanna and Jay-Z, you’ll see that her success is distinguished by her complete control over her music and brand. While others entered other industries like fashion and beauty, Swift focused on her music, tours, and merchandise, creating a self-sustaining financial empire.
The Cultural Phenomenon
There is no doubt, Taylor Swift is a cultural phenomenon, and this is thanks to her enduring connection with her fanbase, the Swifties. She has built a solid relationship with them through genuine interactions, storytelling, and a sense of community. She has shown an openness in social media that, alongside her relatable lyrics, connected her with fans on a deeper and more personal level.
Taylor Swift has indeed shaped pop culture and the entertainment industry by setting trends, challenging norms, and advocating for causes she believes in. From fashion trends to how artists navigate their careers, Swift has made her impact. Most importantly, her authenticity has set her apart.
She has displayed the ability to evolve musically while maintaining her values, earning her the loyalty of her diverse following. Her lyrics are deeply personal, touching on various subjects like love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, echoing the sentiments of her listeners on a universal level.
Final Thoughts
From a country music star to a global icon, Taylor Swift has to thank her unparalleled talent, strategic thinking, and deep connection to her fans. Her savvy business moves, groundbreaking tours, and authenticity have helped her amass a fortune while transforming her into a cultural phenomenon.
While some dream of striking it rich before the first gray hair sprouts on their heads, these celebrities are already there. Using brains, hustle, and a sprinkle of stardust, these financial titans are crushing it, and crushing it real good! Here are six millionaires under 30:
Jaden Smith (25 years old)
Image Source: FN
At 24, first on our list is Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s son, Jaden Smith. Playing around with his creativity in music, acting, and fashion while amassing a net worth of around $8 million. He built his empire starting with Justin Bieber’s song “Never Say Never,” which launched him into stardom.
Many dismiss this success as riding on his parents’ coattails; however, the hits kept coming, proof that the guy was carving his own path. Next, he conquered films with starring roles in The Karate Kid, After Earth, The Get Down, and many others. By this time, he has co-founded the fashion brand MsftsRep.
Millie Bobbie Brown (19 years old)
Image Source: Wallpapersden
Not just Eleven from Stranger Things, Millie Bobbie Brown has become a global phenomenon. While her fantastic portrayal of the innocent but powerful girl in the Netflix series was what catapulted her to fame, Millie is more than that. Slowly, she is building her empire with her brilliant acting, producing, and entrepreneurship skills, inspiring Gen Zs and millennials worldwide.
Millie Bobbie Brown’s net worth of around $20 million comes from her acting endeavors Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Enola Holmes, proving that she went far beyond the sleepy town of Hawkins. She also launched her cosmetics, Florence by Mills, a vegan and cruelty-free line for teens. Millie is also UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador, raising awareness for children’s rights and climate change.
Tom Holland (27 years old)
Image Source: Rock & Pop
You may know him as the friendly neighborhood Spiderman, but did you know Tom Holland is also the adorable kid flying through the air in Billy Elliot? And did you also know that his net worth is estimated at around $20.6 million? This comes from his roles in the Spiderman franchise as well as other acting stints.
Aside from his immense talent, his meteoric rise comes from several endeavors, the films Cherry, Chaos Walking, Uncharted, and many others. Beyond dancing and web-slinging, Tom also has a heart of gold. He is an advocate for mental health awareness and many other causes.
Ryan Kaji (12 years old)
Image Source: NWC
When they say to start them young, this YouTuber did as he was told. Ryan Kaji, at 12 years old, is one of the world’s most popular content creators on the platform. He has more than 34 million subscribers and over 54 billion views, a feat many older people only dream of. He does this by reviewing toys, doing science experiments, and going on adventures.
With an estimated net worth of $32 million, Ryan has already branched out to a variety of ventures, such as a toy line, clothing line, and a TV series. His infectious energy, winning personality, and strong social media presence all contributed to his inspiring success.
Blue Ivy Carter (12 years old)
Image Source: CNN
An heiress to her parents’ humongous empire in the world of music, fashion, and cultural influence, Blue Ivy Carter is slowly but surely carving a solid path that’s uniquely her own. With an estimated net worth of around $800 million, Blue Ivy is also racking up a list of achievements. She is the second-youngest person to ever win a Grammy for her and her mother’s music video for the hit “Brown Skin Girl.”
Not only did she appear in the video, she also co-wrote the song, showcasing her talent in songwriting. She also has her own fashion line called Ivy Park Kids, following her mother’s footsteps in Ivy Park. This shows that Blue Ivy isn’t just her parents’ daughter but a talented young thing ready to take on the music and fashion world.
Kylie Jenner (26 years old)
Image Source: HDQWalls
The youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner family, Kylie Jenner went beyond TV fame and stepped out of her sisters’ shadows by becoming a self-made billionaire. Yes, you read that right: Kylie’s net worth is estimated at around $1 billion. Despite controversies, she successfully built her cosmetics brand and influenced millions with her every move.
Kylie launched Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner, Kylie Skin, and Kylie Baby in 2015, and by 2019, she sold a majority stake to beauty giant Coty for a whopping $600 million. This solidifies her status as a beauty mogul, young billionaire, and social media superstar.
Explained: What Is the Deeper Connect Pico and How Does It Work?
The 10 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers
Digital Nomads Flock To These 10 Amazing Tax-Free Cities
Adopting a Cat? Here’s Your 5-Item Starter Kit
Discover 2025’s Top 10 Online Banks for Smart Savings
The Latest In The AI Boom: What Entrepreneurs Need To Know In 2025
