Review of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) by Paul W — 22 Jul 2017

I found this movie immensely entertaining. I didn't read the critic's reviews until after seeing the movie. I tried to go in without expectations. I could see the movie's shortcomings but it was so visually stunning and such a delightful romp through the fantastic that I easily forgave the shortcomings.

True, the two leads did not do a great acting job. And the critics are probably right that the story has already been done too much. But maybe the critics have just seen too many movies. I enjoyed the plot and the characters.

And the visuals and the imagination were enough to keep me interested from start to finish. The critics are comparing Valerian to the Fifth Element. I didn't think Fifth Element was that brilliant a film and I don't think the critics did either, but I enjoyed it.

Now it's become a cult classic. And I think Valerian, with all its campy silliness, could become another cult classic. If you're someone who can't forgive mediocre acting and plot, this movie may not be for you.

But I think it's work seeing for the visuals alone, especially in 3D. And if you enjoy fun comic book silliness you definitely should see Valerian.