The Jurassic Park series has been on a decline ever since Spielberg first introduced us to the digitally-recreated reptiles back in 1993, but it continues to be a box office juggernaut and an adventure for the entire family. And though Fallen Kingdom is unsuccessful in pushing the franchise towards a more sincere take, it does manage to usher it into an era of new possibilities and properly justify its title (but not the subtitle), subtly at first and then in the most on-the-nose fashion with Dr. Malcolm in its closing moments.

Speaking of that epic treasure-hunting franchise, while the developers have clearly borrowed some of Nathan Drake’s moves, they’ve created more than an “Uncharted” clone. The tone is darker, and the levels are less linear. This is not just “Uncharted” or “Assassin’s Creed” with Lara Croft, it’s “Tomb Raider” for a new era.

The idea of an entity that doesn’t just feed on fear, but that carefully curates it, like the sadistic program director of a Halloween film festival, may not be exactly new. It is, however – like It itself – surprisingly effective.

On top of the clunky dialogue and absurd plot twists, such moments suggest that the franchise – which already has two more installments planned – peaked three movies ago, with 2011’s Fast Five. Even so, Fate gives fans of the franchise exactly what they want, provided they can ditch logic as easily as the movie does.

It’s a movie for those who, in the 17 years since the first X-Men film arrived, have grown up, and are ready for a stiff, un-watered-down drink

To be happy seeing the Superstar in this new avatar where he absolutely kicks ass transporting us to his ‘raw-actor’ days or feel frustrated thinking about the innumerable ways the movie could have been scripted and staged better… the choice is yours!

Directors Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni deploy a gorgeous color palette for the Chinese countryside, using vibrant, swirling shades of green, blue and red for the panda hideaway. Rich golden tones color the Spirit Realm, where some of the climactic fights take place. The directors also make sure to let Po stay the charming bumbler he’s always been. That’s what makes him such an earnest, lovable hero.

A couple of mass moments and some quirky humor apart, there’s nothing in Maari to justify the much-anticipated Balaji Mohan- Dhanush collaboration. But, the delirious fans seem to think otherwise.

Given the lavish budget, I is visually grandiose and that’s not a surprise. But the visuals don’t make up for the weak script. Even AR Rahman’s music doesn’t make much of a difference but for remaining mostly soothing and melodic. Returning after a gap of three years, Shankar should’ve gauged the pulse of the audiences who now prefer short stories over a three-hour film.

Jolie hasn’t done a disservice to Zamperini’s life, but it’s hard to know what she was trying to tell. It’s Zamperini’s story in fact and circumstance, but somehow, he feels like an enigma.