Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017): Otherworldly Cosmic Spectacle
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, directed by Luc Besson, is a science fiction film that immerses you in a visually captivating world filled with imaginative creatures and stunning environments. While the film's visual effects and world-building are undeniably impressive, it falls short in terms of storytelling, resulting in a somewhat uneven cinematic experience.
The story takes place in the 28th century, where special operatives Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are sent on a mission to Alpha, a massive space station that serves as a melting pot for countless alien species from across the universe. As they navigate a web of political intrigue and race against time to uncover a hidden threat, their own relationship is tested. The fate of the City of a Thousand Planets hangs in the balance as they confront a dangerous force.
Visually, Valerian is a feast for the eyes. The imaginative and vibrant worlds created by Luc Besson are stunning, with breathtaking landscapes, intricate alien civilizations, and awe-inspiring technology. The visual effects are top-notch, seamlessly blending CGI with practical elements to bring the diverse alien species and fantastical environments to life. The film's art direction and costume design are equally impressive.
The narrative feels disjointed at times, with multiple subplots and a lack of focus on the central conflict. The pacing is uneven, leading to moments of excitement followed by lulls in momentum. The chemistry between Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, who portray the titular characters, is a mixed bag. While they both have moments of charm and wit, their dynamic feels forced and lacks the depth needed to truly invest in their relationship. The supporting cast, including Clive Owen, Rihanna, and Ethan Hawke, delivers decent performances despite limited screen time.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets showcases remarkable visual effects and world-building, transporting you to a visually stunning and imaginative universe. While it is an admirable attempt at grand-scale science fiction, it ultimately struggles to balance style with substance. It is not bad film in any way - maybe it is the expectations that put it down but it is not to be missed for its visuals and creativity.
I rate it 3 out of 5.
Direction Rating: 0.75/1
Cinematography Rating: 0.75/1
Story Rating: 0.5/1
Acting Rating: 0.5/1
Film Score Rating: 0.5/1
IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2239822/
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