Random Movie Review - Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

 

I still feel that over-ambition is a reason why so many big films often fail. Over-ambition may be a good thing, but it doesn't always work with such examples like Eternals and the more recent Mummy film. But here we have a film that, despite receiving mixed reviews and being a box office bomb, it's actually alright for the most part. Based on a French comic book series and the film itself being a French film just with English speaking, this looks to be like the Star Wars films. But perhaps not as CGI overkill, but we shall see. Let's take a look:

It's the 28th century and due to the cooperation between Earth and extraterrestrial people, the International Space Station has been expanded. That is, until its mass threatens to cause gravitational disruption to Earth. It gets moved to deep space under the new name Alpha and becomes a space travelling city for millions of species across thousands of planets. Of course there is a police division created by the humans which are used to preserve peace in the galaxy. Among its ranks are the arrogant Major Valerian (played by Dane DeHaan in perfect casting for the arrogant person) and the no nonsense Sergeant Laureline (played by Cara Delevingne) who are both sent on a mission which, although quite simple at first, becomes much more than what they had in mind. Lots of aliens to meet, romance is involved and the fate of a certain species has to be decided.

It's very clear that the visuals are thrilling in this film, which I expect nothing more from a sci-fi or space opera film. It has some kinetic energy about it, plus the acting isn't too bad. But there are some questionable moments as well as confusing parts. It's not a completely bad film, and most of us would have a good time watching it. But if you are looking for something better, yeah, there are some other much better things out there to check out. But do give this film a chance too. 7/10