While Luc Besson hasn’t made a massive impact in the blockbuster world over the last few years, his cult sci-fi classic The Fifth Element remains a favourite for many despite its often extreme characters. So when we started to get a look at the trailers for his upcoming film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – which gave glimpses of that world building style that made The Fifth Element such a memorable film – people started to get very excited for what it has to offer.
If there is one thing Michael Bay has taught us though, it’s that a great trailer does not necessarily make a great movie. The film is only releasing in South Africa later in July but has already been screened to some US critics who are finally able to start revealing their thoughts now that the social media embargo has lifted on it. So is it any good? Let’s take a look:
mixed on Valerian, BUT: this movie is god damn SPECTACULAR to look at. if you’re going to fork out extra $ for 3D, do it for this.
— e. oliver whitney (@CinemaBite) June 29, 2017
Now that the embargo is lifted I am free to say that VALERIAN surpassed all expectations. The best blockbuster of the summer.
— Patrik Sandberg (@PatrikSandberg) June 29, 2017
#Valerian: Inventive world-building and some awesomely unique set pieces. Runs out of steam eventually, but overall a fun, worthwhile romp.
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) June 29, 2017
Dug opening sequence of #Valerian, has amazing 3D look. Flavor of FIFTH ELEMENT but not the same payoff. Luc Besson fans are gonna luv it.
— Jason Guerrasio (@JasonGuerrasio) June 29, 2017
Well, the short answers is yes, yes it is. While not everyone is convinced about the story, it seems everyone has fallen in love with the visual aesthetic and world, with some even calling it the best blockbuster of the year so far. Most blockbusters have underwhelmed this year, but the likes of Wonder Women are included in this comparison, so that is high praise indeed. We will wait for our own screening before completely making up our minds.
Based on a French comic book series, the film stars Cara Delevigne as Laureline and Dane DeHaan as the titular Valerian and revolves around the pair protecting a vast intergalactic metropolis called Alpha against an unknown threat to not only their city but the universe itself.
Last Updated: June 30, 2017
Kromas Ryder
June 30, 2017 at 10:14
Problem with making 5th Element is that every movie after is compared to it.
RinceThis
June 30, 2017 at 10:20
Surely you mean 6th? Tehehe
Kromas Ryder
June 30, 2017 at 10:55
Pretty sure it was 5th element. You may be thinking of 6th sense and that was Midnight Shamamalalalalan.
Yondaime
June 30, 2017 at 13:47
Shamamalalalalan lol, it’s been like 20 mins and i’m still laughing at this for some reason.
RinceThis
June 30, 2017 at 14:10
Damn boy, jokes fall flatter on you than Trevor trying to make pancakes!
RinceThis
June 30, 2017 at 10:19
Um, Fifth Element is a space opera. The characters are supposed to be extreme, it’s why people love it! Try disrespecting the movie again and I’ll find you!
Original Heretic
June 30, 2017 at 10:28
I like this news. This is good news.
RinceThis
June 30, 2017 at 10:30
Me too! https://youtu.be/u7tuWere-Kk
Original Heretic
June 30, 2017 at 10:34
I have no sound, so all I see from this vid is a funny looking guy making various hand gestures. At one point (2:03), I’m sure he’s miming holding a large pair of elephant….um…things.
RinceThis
June 30, 2017 at 10:34
They are elephant BALLS! Okay?! Damn it people, I am wasted, WASTED on you all!
Original Heretic
June 30, 2017 at 10:36
Oh is that YOU?!
I had no idea. I would have been a lot harsher if I knew that.
No wonder Trev treats you the way he does.
Alien Emperor Trevor
June 30, 2017 at 10:43
Judging by that still I’d say you probably were wasted.
RinceThis
June 30, 2017 at 14:11
Have you seen YOUR last still?
Raptor Rants
June 30, 2017 at 14:34
This requires a meme https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8177894f55e0231b7b4ce3c3a33c1c9435756b5896f049db56986a23db5092fa.png
Chuckles von Clausewitz III
June 30, 2017 at 15:00
New competition time: Create a caption for this picture:
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8177894f55e0231b7b4ce3c3a33c1c9435756b5896f049db56986a23db5092fa.png
And then the doctor said “Sir, your left nut is a little larger than your right one”
Chuckles von Clausewitz III
June 30, 2017 at 13:35
Who is this fool? Look at him. He must be an escapee from a mental asylum.
Alien Emperor Trevor
June 30, 2017 at 10:43
As long as it’s better than Lucy.
Kromas Ryder
June 30, 2017 at 10:55
I liked Lucy.
Matthew Holliday
June 30, 2017 at 12:47
Michael Bay did teach us that a great trailer doesnt necessarily mean a great movie, but he also did sorta teach us what a trailer that uses all the best bits of a movie looks like.
Valerian doesnt really look like a Michael Bay trailer.
Still looks interesting, keen.
Chuckles von Clausewitz III
June 30, 2017 at 13:32
Who are these people? Patrick Sandberg sounds like a royal git.
Peter Pan
July 3, 2017 at 07:48
Graphically, the trailers look spectacular – move over Avatar – so I bet this would look amazing in 3D, especially in IMAX 3D!