Review of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) by Ethan O — 27 Jul 2017

Ya know, we live in a world where each new "good" movie that comes out feels like crackin' open another cold Pepsi; you think, "ah, this is great. But, I've had this a 1000 times before.

Nothin' all that new..." But then, this movie comes out and gives us a whole different flavor. It's about dahm time. Valerian: tastin' like nothin' we've had in YEARS! Actors we're not all familiar with.

(hallelujah!) Characters that aren't just more "copy, paste" marvel, star trek, star wars, or "totally incompetent moron set to die in the show" experiences. (they actually felt unique.

.. even relatable! No spoilers. But, gotta say, felt a strong bit of sympathy for Rehana's character. Right in the feels, man!) The wide variety of classic call-backs to the Sci-Fi of the 1980s-even the 1950s-was refreshing AS HELL after the almost steady drone that has been sooooo many of the Sci-Fi releases as of late.

(kinda felt like I was watching Classic Sci-fi... but with modern graphics that looked fantastic!) They even used actual actors in actual costumes for a great many parts of the film. Really appreciated that.

Also, as a 20-something myself, the way they wrote the main characters was actually quite relatable as I've not only experienced many of the emotions portrayed. But, seen many of my own friends express similar emotions (in FAR less extravagant situations, of course!) when dealing with relationships/life themselves.

Dang that was good! I can honestly say that I have not been that ENTERTAINED in a theater in many, many years. Period. Folks, in 20 years, this film will be a cult classic akin to The 5th Element or Blade Runner.

If you don't see it now, that's ok. Your Sci-Fi lovin' kid most certainly will in his/her teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s. Etc. Now, enough talk. I'm goin' back for round 2 at the theater! Perhaps I'll see you there.