Bryce Dallas Howard is back for the final time as Claire Dearing in Jurassic World Dominion, which completes the trilogy that started seven years ago. Although the film hasn’t received a good response from critics, the actress has various other film credits that Rotten Tomatoes reviewers have been impressed with.
In all fairness, Howard’s 10 best films do feature some “Rotten” entries, but she was still praised where credit was due. Whether it’s a period drama such as The Help or a big-budget feature along the lines of Jurassic World, Rotten Tomatoes reviewers have had a lot to say about the quality of Howard’s body of work.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) - 47%
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The second installment in the Jurassic World trilogy received mixed reviews for the striking contrast between its first and second acts. The first half revolves around Claire and Owen saving dinosaurs from the destruction of Isla Nublar, while the second half is a horror movie set in a mansion where the Indoraptor wreaks havoc.
The performances of Howard and Chris Pratt were praised, with their chemistry noted to be just as strong as it was in the first film. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’s visuals also received praise for the big-budget feel they brought, although negative reviews pointed out the effects took precedent over the story.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) - 48%
While there aren’t many things the Twilight movies did better than the books, viewers were impressed by the performances of the actors. Bryce Dallas Howard played the vampire Victoria, replacing Rachelle Lefevre in the role in a casting change that had surprised fans at the time.
The third entry is about Howard’s character assembling an army of newborn vampires to attack the heroes. Critics weren’t as thrilled about the actors’ chemistry as audiences, but Howard was singled out by some for bringing much-needed emotion into the story.
Manderlay (2005) - 50%
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In this avant-garde film, Bryce Dallas Howard played Grace, a young woman in 1933 who discovers a plantation called Manderlay where she learns the people are living in slavery. She sets out to try and free them while learning more about the inhabitants of the place.
Manderlay was praised for touching on a sensitive topic but also received criticism for not bringing much depth into the story apart from its premise. The film is directed in such a way that it appears as if everything is happening on a single stage, which makes it an interesting watch, if not a bit repetitive in execution.
A Dog’s Way Home (2019) - 59%
Stream On Starz
Bryce Dallas Howard voice the lead role of Bella in this family adventure film about a dog finding her way back across 400 miles. Bella is separated from her own and embarks on a journey that brings her many new friends until she manages to return home.
The relative melodrama was pointed out by critics but so were the heartwarming moments that make A Dog’s Way Home such a great film about animal and human friendships. It’s a story that can be appreciated by viewers of all ages and Howard does a good job of emoting Bella’s feelings during her arduous journey.
Spider-Man 3 (2007) - 63%
Stream On Peacock
While it’s debatable if the Spider-Man 3 is the most rewatchable in the series, it does carry quite a lot of action. Bryce Dallas Howard was involved in a memorable sequence while playing Gwen Stacy, where Spider-Man rescues her during the collapse of a building.
The film received mixed-to-positive reviews with criticism on the abundance of villains but praise for its dark themes of Peter’s corruption. Howard’s portrayal of Gwen was liked by many, as her character was considered one of the most likable in the series even if she didn’t become the true love interest for Peter she is in the comics.
Jurassic World (2015) - 71%
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Bryce Dallas Howard was considered as one of the factors that made the Jurassic World franchise much better, as the scene with a T-rex chasing after her is considered among the most iconic scenes in the series. Claire is also essentially the film’s lead since she gets the most character development.
Jurassic World sees the Indominus Rex going on a rampage that leads to the park’s breakdown, with Claire teaming with Owen to contain the situation. The film received positive reviews for its incredible effects and Claire’s development from an aloof executive to a woman fighting to keep her nephews safe was praised.
The Help (2011) - 76%
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Bryce Dallas Howard arguably got her big critical break with The Help, which saw her play the main villain. It’s set in 1963 in a town where black maids are treated with contempt and second-class status, which is a status quo that’s challenged when Viola Davis’ character Aibileen decides to speak up about the mistreatment.
Howard plays racist socialite Hilly Holbrook, who tries her best to keep the maids under her thumb by perpetuating racial stereotypes. The Help received various Oscar nominations and Howard stands out as the antagonist in a role that had her pull off being as unlikable as possible.
Pete’s Dragon (2016) - 88%
Stream On Disney+
This fantasy adventure sees Bryce Dallas Howard play forest ranger Grace, who investigates the supposed appearance of a dragon. Pete’s Dragon’s overall story is about a feral boy coming across the titular dragon and their friendship while outside forces attempt to separate them.
The movie received critical acclaim for its gorgeous visuals, with the dragon looking breathtakingly large in scale. Its story was also lauded for making a friendship between a boy and a dragon emotionally moving, with Howard’s character bringing a motherly aura to the story.
Rocketman (2019) - 89%
Set in the younger days of musician Elton John’s life, Rocketman shows the singer’s rise in fame and his struggles with addiction. Bryce Dallas Howard plays Sheila Dwight, the mother of Elton John, who’s depicted as cold and callous toward her son in the film.
Primary praise was directed toward Taron Egerton in the lead role and he went on to win a Golden Globe Award. Howard was also critically acclaimed for portraying a somewhat heartless person and for the dynamic between her and Egerton’s role, as the film detailed the mother and son’s broken relationship.
50/50 (2011) - 93%
Joseph Gordon-Levitt was lauded for carrying 50/50 on his back, with the movie about his character, Adam, as he struggles with cancer at a young age. Bryce Dallas Howard plays Adam’s superficial girlfriend Rachael, who begins to treat him with contempt after his diagnosis.
50/50 features both comedy and drama, as the protagonist learns how people are treated when they have medical conditions. Howard’s vain character sheds light on the behavior of insensitive people and she received praise along with the cast for the film’s depiction of a very real issue.
