Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is an epic sci-fi opera directed from Luc besson, Starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as special operatives who operate in the 28th Century to maintain order throughout the human territories.
Valerian Image
Under assignment from the minister of defense, the duo embark on a mission to Alpha where diverse species gather to share knowledge of the cultures. when a dark force threatens the city it is up to Valerian and Laureline to race against time to identify the threat that seeks to destroy the future of the universe.
Valerian: The Good
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is the most ambitious project since Avatar and with Luc Besson at the helm after directing such epics such as The Fifth Element, Lucy, Leon it’s no surmise that the film demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible with mind blowing special effects.
Dane DeHaan stars as “Valerian”, who is well cast as the cocky, confident special operative, oozing charisma and charm from after his impressive performance in 2012’s “Chronicle”, “The Amazing Spiderman 2” and the most recent horror/thriller, “A Cure for Wellness”. He is clearly influenced by Han Solo as is fun to see DeHaan playing the action hero for a change and is clearly enjoying every minute of it.
Cara Delevingne plays “Laureline” who is “Valerian’s” partner and love interest who was seen as “Enchantress” in last years “Suicide Squad” is impressive here and proves she has a bright career in acting. She’s cool, confident and game for anything.
The other standout is Rihanna as alien shape shifting singer/dancer “Bubble” who’s dancing set piece is colourful and ambitious and will be remembered for years to come.
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is a feast for the eyes with mind boggling visual effects that demands to be seen in 3D and on the biggest screen you can find. It also features a string of fun and inventive action set pieces.
Valerian Poster
Valerian: The Bad
Ethan Hawke almost phones in his performance and feels miscast as a pimply club owner who looks like he is in the wrong movie. As well as Clive Owen who plays the ultra serious Commander feels underused and not=t given enough screen time.
Valerian, Final Thoughts
Overall, It’s jam-packed with eye popping visuals and is easily the most epic sci-fi since “Avatar”. Perfect for seeing on a hot summers day, make sure you see it in 3D and on the biggest screen possible.