Review of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) by Bigdegs29 — 25 Jul 2017

Preface: I don't judge movies based on their innovation or artistic value, but simply on entertainment derived from direction, writing, acting and cinematography.

Poor direction can kill a movie, and has killed many a space opera, but luckily Luc Besson knows what he's doing here. His attention to detail is exquisite, making me want to watch a second or third time just to catch all the small details I missed the first time around.

Obviously the movie is visually stunning, and we knew that going in. It certainly doesn't disappoint.

Unfortunately, writing that begins strong kind of peters out by the second half. Cringe-worthy jokes by the alien Bubble (played by Rihanna) are pretty rough, but Laureline has her fair share of weak lines. Unfortunately, her character delivers what is supposed to be the profound message of the movie, but it's the same old message Hollywood has been spouting at us for decades. Valerian's character is inconsistent at times. There are also several scenes that were unnecessary and should have been cut. The one that particularly stands out is meant to add some depth to Valerian's and Laureline's relationship, but doesn't really achieve its aim. And, accordingly, a later scene doesn't have the impact it could have.

I know there's been a lot of hate for the casting, but I disagree. I think both the leads do an admirable, if not great, job. Chemistry is fine, but again, not outstanding. On a personal note, I find Dane DeHaan's (Valerian) gravelly voice somewhat irritating.

I watched The Fifth Element prior to going into Valerian, just to compare notes. It has the same whimsical quality to it, without being overbearing, but with a slightly more serious tone. While I rate it overall a "good" 7/10, in terms of space operas it's very good. Going off the review scores it's been getting, I'd say it's slightly underrated.