Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

OVERALL:  What a fun and pretty movie!

POINTS: This movie is pure eye-candy. So much to look at and enjoy. I could see it again just to LOOK at everything on the screen.

PITFALLS: Well there are quite a few and I must admit I feel bad in pointing them out. I really liked the movie and wanted to like it more than I did. Even if I make a complaint, I can understand why the director made the choices he did.

FEMALE CHARACTER(S): We have Laureline, delightfully played by Cara Delevingne.  I really liked Delevingne in the role – thought I wish she were 10 years older as that would make the character more believable.

There was also Rihanna as the shape shifter Bubble. I really enjoy Rihanna and was looking forward to watching her. Unfortunately I think she was wasted in too small a role. She well, but I did want more.

CULTURAL PITFALL(S): My biggest complaint about the movie was the stereotypical conversations between Valerian and Laureline. *sigh* Their conversations were predictable: He was a relationship with her, she notes that he is a slut and won’t be faithful to her and she doesn’t want to be another notch on his belt. He denies his behavior, saying he hasn’t found the right woman, she roles her eyes.

Really?

Can’t we be done with this kind  of insipid nonsense? There are so many things wrong with this conversation trope. From claiming that women only want one man, to saying that men want more than one woman, to not even taking into consideration the myriad of relationship styles humans can have. It was just sexist. It kept Laureline as the unattainable woman, which meant that we constantly have to be prepared for Valentine to make a pass at her. News flash people: Women don’t like this because it is tedious, we have to put our armor up, and that is not how professionals behave on the job if they want to get any work done! Since these are supposed to be the best agents, time consuming non-work related conversations are a time suck.

Also note: This is now how adults who want a serious, romantic relationship talk. No, really. That is how children talk to each other and it kept Valerian and Laureline looking infantile in my eyes.

However please note that when they weren’t talking about a relationship, or trying to one-up each other, their interplay was fun. In fact, I liked the chemistry between the two actors.

HIGH POINT(S): Although they were young, I did like the chemistry between Valerian played by Dane DeHaan and Delevingne. I loved the visual aspect of the movie. AND I LOVED the MESSAGE of the movie that was beautifully delivered in the movie’s end. FABULOUS! Perhaps I really love the movie for that most of all. What was the message? Oh just go see it. 

BECHDEL TEST (Website): 2 of 3. Room for improvement. Although Laureline and Bubble talk with each other it is about Valerian.

RACIAL BECHDEL TEST (Website): 2 of 3.

IMDB:  Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

OFFICIAL MOVIE WEBSITE:   Valerian Official Movie Website   |  Valerian Facebook

DVD/BLU-RAY WORTHY: Yes! I want more time with the fun visuals.

LION PAW PRINTS:  3 of 5.

SCOTT SAYS: Hubby Scott says Valerian is in his top ten science fiction movies. He loved how beautiful it was. He also suggested it could have been better if George Clooney and Salma Hayek played the leads. Those two can so carry a film and their age would make their agent skills and attractive  sellable to the audience. He also said this was one .

VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS “Welcome” Clip & Trailer (2017)