VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS movie review – “I didn’t come here to get a makeover.”

M-4VDF-16373afrpsd Final (Left to right.) Dane DeHaan, and Cara Delevingne star in EuropaCorp's Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Photo credit: Vikram Gounassegarin © 2016 VALERIAN SAS Ð TF1 FILMS PRODUCTION Film Title: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets | Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets movie review | onetakekate.com
M-4VDF-16373afrpsd Final (Left to right.) Dane DeHaan, and Cara Delevingne star in EuropaCorp's Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Photo credit: Vikram Gounassegarin © 2016 VALERIAN SAS Ð TF1 FILMS PRODUCTION Film Title: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets | Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets movie review | onetakekate.com

What does a brainchild of a sci-fi screenplay writer and director, a charismatic and versatile young actor and an international household name supermodel that actually turns out to be an incredible actress, have in common? Well they, along with the ever jaw-dropping movie magic of NZ’s own WETA Digital have created the expansive eye candy science fiction feast that is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.

Dane DeHaan living in alternate realities in Valerian... Image via craveonline.com | Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets movie review | onetakekate.com
Dane DeHaan living in alternate realities in Valerian… Image via craveonline.com

Luc Besson returns to his big love and innate understanding of imaginative sci-fi by jumping on to adapt one of his favourite comic series; Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières’s Valerian and Laureline; and worked together with them to craft the screenplay for this sci-fi epic adventure. Cool casting picks have meant that Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne really do have that first glance authenticity as the series’ iconic characters and Besson has also kept a little of that saucy feel of “here’s what the 1960s thinks the 28th Century will look like” with bright palettes, tiki lounge shirts on our hero and introductory frames viewing the world accompanied by the dulcet tones of the spaceman himself, Mr. David Bowie; and to be fair it’d be rude if you didn’t.

Cara Delevingne as Sergeant Laureline in Valerian... Image via http://thingkingminds.com | Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets movie review | onetakekate.com
Cara Delevingne as Sergeant Laureline in Valerian… Image via thingkingminds.com

Despite all this sounding like a Guardians of the Galaxy cash-in by Besson; it certainly is not and has more of a Euro-Space sensibility of collaboration among species rather than the sort of Red, White and Blue sense of the Outer-Universe suggested by the GOTG franchise. Besson strides forth in his kind of “I don’t have to explain myself” auteur-ship to bring an excellent 3D experience to our screen that comes with a cheeky sense of humour and wonder too. In great sci-fi and Besson tradition, women are presented as strong characters; however pleasingly not lauded in a cheesy or clichéd way, but depicted in the equality that the sci-fi genre calls for.

Straight out of the gate Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is mesmeric, showing the vast utopian universe and Alpha; with a slew of imaginatively character designed beasts, peculiar aliens, bizarre yet covetable fashion, wacky guns or gadgets and big, beautiful space crafts, all pinballing their way across an expansive space scape that’s been painstakingly born into digital being by the geniuses at WETA Digital in good Ol’ little Wellington, New Zealand. From the dizzying alternate realities world of Big Market to; the multitude of creatures with their stunning and oh-so-touchable facial textures and details, you’re immersed and completely along for the ride, discovering new things and beings around every corner. Plus if there’s any kind of creature that can be fed treasure and then shit out even more treasure…then I want it! (I’m talking the adorable Converter beast…see below)

MMelo the Converter, one of the fantastic beasts of Valerian... Image via magazine-hd.com | Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets movie review | onetakekate.com
Melo the Converter, one of the fantastic beasts of Valerian… Image via magazine-hd.com

META SYNOPSIS
A dark force threatens Alpha, a vast metropolis and home to species from a thousand planets. Special operatives The Green Goblin and Enchantress, with the help of Marion Crane, must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe; all under the authority of King Arthur and the watchful eye of his officer, Nicks.

Starring of course: Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad), Rihanna (Bates Motel), Clive Owen (King Arthur) and Kris Wu (XXX: The Return of Xander Cage).

It wouldn’t be a fun Luc Besson universe if there wasn’t a few crazy cameos wedged into Valerian… as well, so it’s delightful to see jazz-funk maestro Herbie Hancock, 80s action man Rutger Hauer and Slacker Generation Prince Ethan Hawke; all turning up to add a little whimsy to the colourful and far-fetched Valerian world. Rihanna’s role as Bubble in particular is both alluring and enjoyable; and reminded me faintly of the Michael Jackson Black or White video. True, although the same digital technologies were not used to create the effect; it felt like an intertextual nod considering Rihanna’s recording artist status…or maybe I’m just a big Easter Egg nerd – both are true.

When office romances get serious - Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Image via hdqwalls.com | Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets movie review | onetakekate.com
When office romances get serious – Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Image via hdqwalls.com

If there’s one tiny aspect that I’m not sure I totally bought into, it was the chemistry between DeHaan and Delevingne as love interests. DeHaan’s Valerian doesn’t literally demonstrate very much wooing or swag during the screen time; but we’re told plenty that he does indeed have it, including a lengthy Playlist of conquests; so we kinda just go with it. Sorry! I dunno, I felt that their chemistry as work colleagues is strong and enjoyable but when it comes to sexual chemistry, maybe a little…meh. I felt like Laureline could have totally kicked Valerian’s butt and stolen anyone’s girl if she wanted too, so perhaps this aspect of their relationship chemistry and attraction will deepen with potential (but unnecessary…) sequels; or perhaps it’s just a demonstration of Valerian being one of those charismatic but bumbling heroes, where his infinitely more skilled and savvy sergeant is always there to save the day and get the shit done, while Valerian stumbles in at the end and scoops the kudos. I’ll make it clear though, that this one part didn’t impede me enjoying the rest of everything I saw so – win!

One of the incredible species living on Alpha, created by WETA Digital. Image via iamag.co | Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets movie review | onetakekate.com
One of the incredible species living on Alpha in Valerian… created by WETA Digital. Image via iamag.co

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is eye-popping, it’s vibrant and it’s an incredibly fun and far-fetched universe, told by arguably one of the greats of modern sci-fi storytelling. Drop the extra couple of bucks and see this in 3D too, this is how I saw it and it really does give everything in Valerian that little additional boost to actualize all the crazy goodness.

Sci-fi fan yourself? Perhaps you’re a knowledgeable Valerian and Laureline comics’ fan that wants to check out what Luc Besson’s done to your baby? Hit me up in the comments below and tell me, what is your favourite sci-fi movie of all time?

One Take Kate

Feature Image via Player One.com | Title Quote – Sergeant Laureline (Cara Delevingne)
About One Take Kate 196 Articles
One Take Kate is a Hufflepuff house member, married vegetarian and at the constant whim of her dog & two cats.

821 Comments

  1. taya365 com login [url=http://taya365.art/#]taya365[/url] Most casinos offer convenient transportation options.

  2. taya365 login [url=https://taya365.art/#]taya365.art[/url] Casinos offer delicious dining options on-site.

  3. purple pharmacy mexico price list [url=https://xxlmexicanpharm.shop/#]buying prescription drugs in mexico online[/url] xxl mexican pharm

  4. family pharmacy [url=http://familypharmacy.company/#]Online pharmacy USA[/url] online pharmacy delivery usa

  5. medication from mexico pharmacy [url=https://xxlmexicanpharm.shop/#]pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa[/url] xxl mexican pharm

  6. buying from online mexican pharmacy [url=https://xxlmexicanpharm.com/#]pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa[/url] medicine in mexico pharmacies

  7. garuda888 slot [url=https://garuda888.top/#]garuda888.top[/url] Slot dengan fitur interaktif semakin banyak tersedia

  8. preman69.tech [url=https://preman69.tech/#]preman69 slot[/url] Slot menjadi bagian penting dari industri kasino

  9. generic zithromax over the counter [url=http://zithropharm.com/#]buy zithromax 500mg online[/url] generic zithromax 500mg

  10. zithromax cost australia [url=https://zithropharm.com/#]Zithro Pharm[/url] where to get zithromax over the counter

  11. Achat mГ©dicament en ligne fiable [url=http://pharmaciemeilleurprix.com/#]pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance[/url] pharmacie en ligne

  12. Pharmacie sans ordonnance [url=https://pharmaciemeilleurprix.shop/#]pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance[/url] trouver un mГ©dicament en pharmacie

  13. pharmacie en ligne france fiable [url=http://tadalafilmeilleurprix.com/#]Acheter Cialis[/url] pharmacie en ligne pas cher

  14. pharmacie en ligne france pas cher [url=https://tadalafilmeilleurprix.shop/#]Acheter Cialis[/url] п»їpharmacie en ligne france

  15. SildГ©nafil 100mg pharmacie en ligne [url=https://viagrameilleurprix.com/#]viagra en ligne[/url] Viagra pas cher paris

  16. acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance [url=http://kamagrameilleurprix.com/#]acheter kamagra site fiable[/url] pharmacie en ligne france fiable

  17. trouver un mГ©dicament en pharmacie [url=http://pharmaciemeilleurprix.com/#]pharmacie en ligne france[/url] Achat mГ©dicament en ligne fiable

  18. pharmacie en ligne fiable [url=http://pharmaciemeilleurprix.com/#]pharmacie en ligne pas cher[/url] Pharmacie sans ordonnance

  19. pharmacie en ligne avec ordonnance [url=https://kamagrameilleurprix.com/#]achat kamagra[/url] pharmacie en ligne fiable

  20. п»їViagra sans ordonnance 24h [url=https://viagrameilleurprix.com/#]Viagra sans ordonnance 24h[/url] Viagra pas cher livraison rapide france

  21. Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe [url=https://pharmaciemeilleurprix.com/#]pharmacie en ligne france[/url] pharmacie en ligne pas cher

  22. Viagra 100mg prix [url=http://viagrameilleurprix.com/#]viagra en ligne[/url] Viagra homme prix en pharmacie sans ordonnance

  23. Pharmacie Internationale en ligne [url=https://pharmaciemeilleurprix.com/#]pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance[/url] Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe

  24. pharmacie en ligne livraison europe [url=https://tadalafilmeilleurprix.com/#]cialis prix[/url] pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique

  25. Viagra homme sans prescription [url=https://viagrameilleurprix.com/#]Viagra 100 mg sans ordonnance[/url] SildГ©nafil Teva 100 mg acheter

  26. mexican pharmacy [url=https://certpharm.com/#]mexican pharmacy online[/url] Best Mexican pharmacy online

  27. mexican pharmacy online [url=https://certpharm.com/#]Best Mexican pharmacy online[/url] Mexican Cert Pharm

  28. legit canadian pharmacy online [url=https://expresscanadapharm.shop/#]Express Canada Pharm[/url] Express Canada Pharm

  29. canadian pharmacy 24 com [url=https://expresscanadapharm.shop/#]Express Canada Pharm[/url] vipps approved canadian online pharmacy

  30. canadian pharmacy prices [url=https://expresscanadapharm.shop/#]pharmacy canadian[/url] Express Canada Pharm

  31. vipps canadian pharmacy [url=https://expresscanadapharm.shop/#]reliable canadian online pharmacy[/url] Express Canada Pharm

  32. A true gem in the international pharmacy sector.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]lisinopril without prescription[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]can you get generic clomid tablets[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]cytotec[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]gabapentin european pharmacopoeia[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]where can i get cheap cipro tablets[/url]
    I love the convenient location of this pharmacy.

  33. This international pharmacy offers top-tier service globally.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]cost cheap lisinopril pill[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]where can i get generic clomid for sale[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]cost cytotec online[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]sudden stop of gabapentin[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]how to get cipro for sale[/url]
    Get information now.

  34. Read information now.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]lisinopril medication purpose[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]cost cheap clomid without prescription[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]can i order cytotec for sale[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]can you get high off gabapentin 100mg[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]how can i get cipro without insurance[/url]
    Breaking down borders with every prescription.

  35. I’m impressed with their commitment to customer care.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]where can i buy cheap lisinopril[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]can you get generic clomid online[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]generic cytotec no prescription[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]pharmacokinetics and metabolism of gabapentin in rat dog and man[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]cost of cipro[/url]
    They simplify global healthcare.

  36. A beacon of reliability and trust.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]can you get cheap lisinopril prices[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]where buy generic clomid without dr prescription[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]can i purchase cytotec no prescription[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]is expired gabapentin safe[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]can you get cheap cipro without insurance[/url]
    This international pharmacy offers top-tier service globally.

  37. They bridge the gap between countries with their service.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]lisinopril 50 mg price[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]cost of generic clomid for sale[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]where to buy generic cytotec online[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]how long does it take gabapentin to relieve nerve pain[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]where can i buy cheap cipro online[/url]
    Their loyalty program offers great deals.

  38. Their commitment to healthcare excellence is evident.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]can you get cheap lisinopril without dr prescription[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]where buy clomid without a prescription[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]cytotec oral[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]where to buy gabapentin[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]where to buy generic cipro for sale[/url]
    Always my first choice for international pharmaceutical needs.

  39. They consistently go above and beyond for their customers.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]order generic zestril without insurance[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]where can i buy cheap clomid price[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]buying cheap cytotec without a prescription[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]fluoxetine without insurance[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]where can i get cipro without insurance[/url]
    A trusted name in international pharmacy circles.

  40. Their international health forums provide crucial insights.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]lisinopril 10 mg for sale[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]how to get clomid pill[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]how can i get cheap cytotec tablets[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]can you take gabapentin with clonazepam[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]where buy cipro prices[/url]
    They offer invaluable advice on health maintenance.

  41. Great place with even greater staff.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]where to get generic lisinopril without prescription[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]where to get generic clomid online[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]cytotec medication for pregnancy[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]gabapentin extended release depomed[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]how to get cheap cipro for sale[/url]
    Their international drug database is unparalleled.

  42. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
    [url=https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/#]lisinopril buy[/url]|[url=https://clomidpharm24.top/#]how to get generic clomid price[/url]|[url=https://cytotecpharm24.top/#]where buy cytotec price[/url]|[url=https://gabapentinpharm24.top/#]gabapentin and sleepiness[/url]|[url=https://cipropharm24.top/#]can i get generic cipro no prescription[/url]
    They always prioritize the customer’s needs.

  43. Fast From India [url=https://fastfromindia.shop/#]Fast From India[/url] Fast From India
    indian pharmacy paypal

  44. п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india [url=http://fastfromindia.com/#]world pharmacy india[/url] top 10 online pharmacy in india
    india pharmacy

  45. pharmacie en ligne pas cher [url=http://pharmainternationale.com/#]pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique[/url] Pharma Internationale

  46. Pharma Internationale [url=https://pharmainternationale.com/#]Achat mГ©dicament en ligne fiable[/url] Achat mГ©dicament en ligne fiable

  47. farmacias direct [url=http://farmaciamedic.com/#]farmacia en casa online descuento[/url] farmacia online barcelona

  48. Farmacia online miglior prezzo [url=http://topmaxfarma.com/#]Farmacie online sicure[/url] comprare farmaci online all’estero

  49. mexican pharmacy acp [url=https://mexicanpharmacyacp.shop/#]medication from mexico pharmacy[/url] buying prescription drugs in mexico online

  50. mexican pharmacy acp [url=https://mexicanpharmacyacp.com/#]mexican pharmacy acp[/url] mexican pharmacy acp

  51. mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs [url=https://mexicanpharmacyacp.com/#]п»їbest mexican online pharmacies[/url] mexican pharmacy acp

  52. cheap canadian pharmacy [url=https://canadianpharmacyaapd.shop/#]Canadian Pharmacy AAPD[/url] my canadian pharmacy review

  53. mexican pharmacy acp [url=https://mexicanpharmacyacp.shop/#]mexican pharmacy acp[/url] mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa

  54. legal to buy prescription drugs from canada [url=http://canadianpharmacyaapd.com/#]maple leaf pharmacy in canada[/url] best canadian online pharmacy

  55. India pharmacy ship to USA [url=https://indianpharmacyabp.com/#]Indian pharmacy online[/url] Indian Pharmacy Abp

  56. Сыграйте РЅР° деньги, почувствуйте азарт!: balloon игра – balloon игра на деньги

  57. Игровые автоматы Ballon Р¶РґСѓС‚ СЃРІРѕРёС… героев.: balloon казино – balloon казино официальный сайт

  58. Казино предлагает отличные условия для РёРіСЂС‹.: balloon казино – balloon игра на деньги

  59. balloon игра [url=https://akhbutina.kz/#]balloon казино демо[/url] Играйте Рё выигрывайте РЅР° автомате Ballon!

  60. Казино предлагает отличные условия для РёРіСЂС‹.: balloon game – balloon казино

  61. Ballon радует РёРіСЂРѕРєРѕРІ разнообразием функций.: balloon игра – balloon game

  62. Ballon — идеальный выбор для азартных РёРіСЂРѕРєРѕРІ.: balloon казино – balloon казино играть

  63. Баллон — это автомат для настоящих любителей.: balloon казино – balloon казино играть

  64. balloon игра [url=https://akhbutina.kz/#]balloon игра на деньги[/url] Ставь РЅР° деньги Рё выигрывай легко!

  65. Казино — это место для больших выигрышей.: balloon казино – balloon казино официальный сайт

  66. balloon казино демо [url=https://neokomsomol.kz/#]balloon казино официальный сайт[/url] Казино предлагает отличные условия для РёРіСЂС‹.

  67. Играть РІ казино — всегда интересное приключение.: balloon казино – balloon игра

  68. thecanadianpharmacy [url=https://interpharmonline.shop/#]Cheapest online pharmacy[/url] canadian pharmacy 24h com safe

  69. best canadian online pharmacy reviews [url=http://interpharmonline.com/#]Online pharmacy USA[/url] trusted canadian pharmacy

  70. reliable mexican pharmacies [url=https://mexicanpharminter.shop/#]reliable mexican pharmacies[/url] buying from online mexican pharmacy

  71. india pharmacy without prescription [url=http://indiamedfast.com/#]cheapest online pharmacy india[/url] cheapest online pharmacy india

  72. cheapest online pharmacy india [url=https://indiamedfast.com/#]cheapest online pharmacy india[/url] IndiaMedFast

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*