Review of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) by Jonathan B — 12 Apr 2018
Luc Besson's stunning visual style coupled with some imaginative and well realised effects paper over the cracks in this sci-fi adventure. The beautiful alien vistas and creatures that are portrayed are some of the best I think i've ever seen and there are plenty of exciting moments but the film is let down by the two deeply unlikeable central characters and the rather tedious and wooden way in which they are played by actors Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevigne both of whom seem emotionless and flat.
As characters, they come over as smug and lacking in wit with their banter, that should be sparkling and punchy, making them sound like a couple of spoilt rich kids who are bored by everything. They are deeply unattractive and after a few minutes, become really grating and annoying.
It is like two members of "The Only Way is Essex" have been dropped into "Fantasia"...with ray guns. This is a real shame and just proves that without a good plot and strong central characters, no amount of spectacular effects can carry a narrative.
This review of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) was written by Jonathan B on 12 Apr 2018.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
