^ I popped it in again today and I used to find Chris Tucker annoying too, and I guess I still do. But overall I still think the movie is fun. It's all the little subtle and amusing pieces of humor that I found charming. Like Leeloo's "Multipass" and the guy controlling the reflective light and the man who is almost poisoned at the beginning of the film. It's just fun.
Overall I say it should be seen on the big screen to encourage this kind of fun, imaginative space adventure. Because it looks like it's going to need all the support it can get.
The middle third is a bit of a slog to get through, with some derivative bits, but the visuals of the 1st and 3rd acts are spectacular. I think the best way to describe this film is sort of a mixture of Star Wars, Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and some weirdness that's all its own. Like I said, the middle third lacks much of a gripping narrative flow, but ultimately I enjoyed it for its weirdness, fun, imagination, and sheer visual spectacle. It'll be a shame to see this flop, but it appears to be happening already. It may do well overseas, but I doubt that'll save it. It's a shame, because it's a rich, diverse and exciting universe to explore. Not sure how they expected it to recover from a $200+ million budget. It looks like it's going to make #5 opening weekend.
I'd give it a 7 or 8 out of 10. That might fluctuate upon other viewings, but I really think it would be fun to watch again, like the Fifth Element.
I will agree to some extent, but I've seen reviewers complain that the two main character are extremely unlikeable and I disagree with that because I think the point of the two main characters is that they are just normal people with flaws. But at least they have personalities (unlike Rogue One-- in fact they almost reminded me of Han Solo and Leia in the original Star Wars). Valerian is sort of arrogant and full of himself and Lauraline is very tough, but she also shows a vulnerable side when she takes care of that little creature and her little speech [SPOILER - highlight to read]: toward the end about love reveals a lot about her. And at least you have this dynamic between them where he really is trying to win her heart. He's not a total douche-bag, or at least he was in the past, but not anymore. I think their chemistry works well enough. Not spectacular like Guardians of the Galaxy, but considering the wondrous visuals and universe it was fun.
But the film did drag a little in the middle, so it might have benefited from losing 10 minutes or so. And Jesus, the budget was so high, I can't believe it. They should have simplified some of those scenes to save some money. I'll be cheering for Germany and France, etc to really save it, but I don't have much hope, not with a $200 million budget.
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Jul 22nd, 2017 08:20 AM
