Valerian and The City of a Thousand Planets: Review

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a space opera in the purest sense of the word. The sheer scope and design of this film are absolutely breathtaking from start to finish and the tremendous use of 3D makes this one of the most profoundly exhilarating and unique experiences I've had all year. Luc Besson's The Fifth Element is a childhood favorite of mine because of how dynamic and ambitious his vision is in that film, and Valerian is no different. I live for watching directors like Besson tackle passion projects like this, ones that completely ooze a sense of cinematic exploration and originality. The creativity is seemingly endless in this one.
If I were to complain about anything in this film, it would be the two leads. Dane and Cara aren't particularly bad but they lack any real sense of personality that makes them great lead characters to follow. But they're both surrounded by a world that completely blows the mind of the viewer and a supporting cast that also lends itself to some really entertaining characters, especially Rihanna's surprisingly well-rounded turn as a shape-shifting stripper.
Valerian has more excitement and personality in one singular frame than most blockbusters do in their entirety. It's clear that Luc Besson is having the time of his life with this film and that makes it a real treat for the viewer. This experience is truly unlike anything I've ever seen and the spectacle of this film is totally unparalleled thank to top notch visual effects, production design, and costume design. Please Please PLEASE go see this movie this weekend so we can get more of them. This reminded me of when I first watched The Fifth Element, pure mind-blowing, heart racing, eyeball-melting sci-fi cinema. (8.5/10)

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