VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS

By -
Alpha, a futuristic city made up of thousands of different species from across the universe, is threatened by an unknown force. Commander Filitt (Clive Owen) sends government operatives Major Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Sergeant Laureline (Cara Delevingne) to the endangered city to identify and stop the menacing intruders. Complicating matters is the fact that womanizer Valerian is starting to fall for his beautiful partner.

A colorful galaxy of fun for the eyes and ears that doesn't have much for the brain. But it's still worth a matinee for sci-fi lovers. Based on the French comics series "Valérian and Laureline", director/co-writer Luc Besson ("The Fifth Element") throws everything at the screen and some of it sticks. Out-of-this-world sets, characters, effects and 3D cover nicely for a
predictable plot and some questionable performances. The weakest link in the chain is Dane DeHaan as kind of a teenage-looking James Bond - make that Matt Helm, without the Dean Martin vocals. He's not very convincing in this obvious spy spoof that thankfully doesn't take itself seriously. DeHaan also has no chemistry with his co-star. On the other hand, Cara Delevingne is convincing as a gorgeous and aggressive crime-fighter. She could carry a movie in this genre on her own.Some recognizable supporting players are along for the ride. Clive Owen makes a commanding presence as the operatives' leader. Rihanna is charismatic as shapeshifting entertainer Bubble and Ethan Hawke is rather slimy as Jolly the Pimp. Musician Herbie Hancock has a small role as the Defence Minister. John Goodman provides the voice of the Jabba-ish criminal Igon Siruss - one of many send-ups to films like "Star Wars" and "Avatar". A rousing score by composer Alexandre Desplat weaves in and out of the story. With the spaced-out "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets", Luc Besson remains in his element. (3 CAMS)


Rated PG-13 (sci-fi violence and action, suggestive material and brief language)
Running Time: 137 minutes

Popular posts from this blog

THE MARKSMAN (2021)

By -
Image
Trying to save his Arizona ranch, the last thing loner and ex-Marine Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) needs is more trouble. When he encounters migrants Rosa (Teresa Ruiz) and her 11-year-old son Miguel (Jacob Perez) running from drug cartel assassins, more trouble comes his way. Promising Rosa he will get Miguel to relatives in Chicago, the hardened Hanson and the young fugitive reluctantly take a dangerous road trip. An unlikely friendship develops as the killers, led by relentless Mauricio (Juan Pablo Raba), get closer. With Liam Neeson the main attraction, a full-blown action thriller is expected. But this latest attempt at making a modern western is surprisingly short on action and thrills. Director Robert Lorenz, who helmed the Clint Eastwood baseball drama "Trouble with the Curve", spends most of this film's length on drama and emotion. Mr. Neeson is up to the task, but this is not what the fans look forward to with a title like "The Marksman". The screenplay by
Read more

THE RHYTHM SECTION

By -
Image
When depressed, drug-addicted prostitute Stephanie Patrick (Blake Lively) learns the plane crash that killed her family wasn't an accident, she sets out to avenge their deaths. With the help of a former British MI6 agent (Jude Law), Stephanie trains to become an assassin. Under various disguises, she takes on missions that will lead to vengeance. A strong performance by Blake Lively and sudden bursts of action can't save this mostly lackluster thriller. Based on the popular book by Mark Burnell, who also wrote the screenplay, director Reed Morano ("Meadowland") relies heavily on
Read more

SOUL (2020)

By -
Image
Band teacher Joe Gardner (the voice of Jamie Foxx) is offered a full-time position at his school and also gets a dream opportunity: the chance to play at a popular jazz club. But after an accident on a New York City street, Joe ends up in The Great Before where new souls get their personalities formed prior to going to Earth. Desperately wanting to return home, he is paired with difficult soul 22 (voiced by Tina Fey), who is reluctant to become human. Together, they may just find their purpose in life. Leaving sequels behind, Disney/Pixar strikes gold with an imaginative and fanciful animated original. Like their "Onward" earlier this year, interesting characters and fresh storytelling captivate the audience. Director Pete Docter, with help from co-director Kemp Powers ("One Night in Miami" screenplay), goes out-of-body for an experience that has some similarities to his inner body "Inside Out". But the story/screenplay by Docter, Powers and Mike Jones has
Read more