Luc Besson
has never been known for his restraint.
Director of films such as the sci-fi epic ‘The Fifth Element’, he has
gleefully embraced the meaning of excess. The French director has his admirers
with his movies turning a profit despite their huge budgets. That’s just as well as his latest, ‘Valerian
and the City of a Thousand Planets’ is already notorious as being the most
expensive French film ever made. It
certainly looks spectacular with every penny seen on the silver screen in
Besson’s typically outlandish style.
Valerian
(Dane DeHann) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives from the
Ministry of Defence charged with maintaining order. It’s the 28th century, where all manner of
species converge to trade. Sent to a
world called Alpha also known as the City of a Thousand Planets, Valerian and
Laureline come across a sinister plot to disrupt its delicate peace. Dealing with shady types such as
shapeshifting dancer Bubble (Rihanna) and pimp Jolly (Ethan Hawke), the
law-enforcing duo uncover a grand scheme that could destroy the entire
universe.
‘Valerian
and the City of a Thousand Planets’ is pure spectacle. It really looks amazing with the only
limitations being the film-maker’s imaginations. All manner of new creatures are on display as
they battle for survival amidst a cosmic mystery. Valerian and Laureline make a quirky couple
and neither of their portrayers are known for their heroic roles but gamely go
out of their comfort zone. Although
their chemistry is miniscule, DeHann and Delevingne almost succeed in embodying
their character’s traits and remain consistently engaging.
Besson’s
stylistic flair is seen in abundance and he doesn’t hold back in the CGI
splendour. Whilst the script is overlong
and has several unnecessary scenes adding little to the central plot, the
gorgeous scenery provides compensation.
The wondrous visions aid in papering over the cracks of a predictable
plot as do the energetic and enthusiastic performances which divert attention
away from any deficiencies.
‘Valerian
and the City of a Thousand Planets’ is a sci-fi epic on a grand scale. It’s an
often glorious mess and occasionally drags when it should soar. But its good moments are memorable with its
use of 3-D technology adding to its allure.
Luc Besson doesn’t hold back with his latest with a beguiling mix of
genre styles sure to further cement his popular reputation.
Movie Review
Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review
by Patrick Moore
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