Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Valerian & the City of a Thousand Planets; Visual feast offers cinematic SciFi delights meant for theatre viewing. Leads play tones well; A

The Fifth Element

Directed by:  Luc Besson
Starring:  Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm, Chris Tucker
Running Time:  2h 06min

Oldman is his chamelean self again, totally immersing himself in his role, his costume, and the scenery.  It's hard not to, what with the totally out-of-this-world approach to the future.  Things are recognizable only in structure as the director's vision is completely original.  This is a future where you can't question its basis; everything is totally new.  They don't have to stop and explain what it is the characters are doing, seeing, or engaging in; you wouldn't understand it, it's the future.  This creates an exciting viewer-film relationship, with the only thing grounding the viewer is the fact that the story hasn't changed.  Willis is still the reluctant hero (who better to play the role?) and in the end love conquers all.  Enjoy!

Grade: B-