Major Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Sergeant Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are space operatives who are governed with the protection of the space-time continuum. But the two find themselves constantly at odds because of Valerian’s wild romantic feelings for his co-pilot. When they are commanded to embark on a mission to the magnificent intergalactic metropolis of Alpha, they soon discover a sinister plot that could shake the very core of the universe and must do everything in their power to stop it.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is by no way a typical science fiction film, and I say this because of the unique setting in which it was crafted. As audience members, we’re so used to the big extravagant action filled science fiction films that are cranked out by Hollywood on a regular basis. Valerian is not one of these. Besson’s European sensibilities and style make for a cinematic experience that is far more visually striking and character driven. While there are some incredible action set pieces, Besson is more concerned with the relationship that exists between DeHaan and Delevingne as Valerian and Laureline, and how their new mission brings the two of them closer together.

Besson got lucky with his casting here. While Dane DeHaan never disappoints in Valerian he totally plays against type as the cocky and arrogant space agent who has a habit of pushing the rules to the limit. He’s also a confident ladies man whose new infatuation with his partner Laureline leads to plenty of inappropriate, yet comedic situations. While DeHaan is not the exact picture of an action hero he certainly stepped up to the plate and jumps head first into some gnarly stunt work.

But while I dug DeHaan it was Cara Delevingne as the ravishing and capable Laureline who really stole the show for me. While Delevingne coped a serious bit of flack for her performance in Suicide Squad, here in Valerian she absolutely nailed it. What I really dug about Delevingne’s performance was just how capable she was as Laureline. While normally the male hero is the one to get the damsel out of trouble, more often than not it was Laureline who had to swing in and save Valerian from his own mad heroics. Then, of course, there was the fact that she wasn’t falling for his very open advances, which made for some terrific comedic moments.

While science fiction films regularly create fantastical worlds, Valerian takes it to a whole other level. Besson, along with the geniuses at Weta Workshop and Weta Digital, craft a completely unique science fiction universe on Alpha, the city of a thousand planets. No expense has been spared in creating this beautiful futuristic landscape. Art direction, set design, costuming, lighting and score all collide together to transport the audience to a completely different vision of the future. Besson never tries to explain his fantastical world, and the film is better for it as you can just step into it and lose yourself in its stunning visuals. I’ll also admit that the film’s European tone also places emphasis on a playful sexuality that manifests itself in Rihanna’s alien Go-Go dancer Bubble. Her scenes are incredibly saucy and sprinkled with just a hint of eroticism that made for something fresh and different.

But ultimately Valerian belongs to Besson who after more than forty years has finally brought his grand vision for his beloved childhood obsession to the screen. It’s easy to feel the passion in a cinematic work, and you definitely feel it here. Every frame bursts with a sense of artistic nirvana as a world that was once considered impossible to realise on screen is brought to life in beautiful, vibrant extravagance.

If you’re looking to take a fantastical trip into outer space then Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is one ship to board. Visually imaginative and filled to the brim with heartfelt passion, it’s a fantastic cinematic rollercoaster.

Image: EOne Films

The post ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ – Review appeared first on SpicyPulp.

The final trailer has just been released, and it is absolutely gorgeous. Check it out below:

Here’s the synopsis:

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are space operatives who are governed with the protection of the space-time continuum. But the two find themselves constantly at odds because of Valerian’s wild romantic feelings for his co-pilot. When they are commanded to embark on a mission to the magnificent intergalactic metropolis of Alpha, they soon discover a sinister plot that could shake the very core of the universe and must do everything in their power to stop it.

Set to a riveting remix of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”, the trailer showcases some gorgeous set pieces along with plenty of intriguing alien species. Rising stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne appear to have great chemistry as the heroic Valerian and Laureline, while Besson shows off some of his brilliant film-making tricks, including a very ambitious Steadicam shot.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Plants will be an unmissable cinematic event when it is released in cinemas on July 21 in the US, and on August 10 in New Zealand and Australia.

The post Watch the final trailer for ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ appeared first on SpicyPulp.

The first trailer has been released and it is utterly breathtaking. Check it out below:

Here’s the synopsis:

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are space operatives who are governed with the protection of the space-time continuum. But the two find themselves constantly at odds because of Valerian’s wild romantic feelings for his co-pilot. When they are commanded to embark on a mission to the magnificent intergalactic metropolis of Alpha, they soon discover a sinister plot that could shake the very core of the universe and must do everything in their power to stop it.

Adapted from the beloved graphic novel series Valerian and Laureline by French artists Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, Besson appears to have fulfilled his own sense of boyhood wonder in bringing this story to the big screen.  While he has explored similar science fiction ideas with his work on The Fifth Element, Valerian appears to be breaking new ground for the director and is utterly gorgeous to look at. The film’s rich visuals are astounding, and all credit must be paid to the wizards at Weta Digital for their amazing work in bringing this rich science fiction world to life.

Valerian features an all-star cast that is lead by DeHaan and Delevingne, who appear to work well together on-screen reveling in their characters love/hate relationship. Noted performers including Clive Owen, Kris Wu, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman and Rihanna lead the film’s eclectic supporting cast.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Plants is without a doubt one of 2017’s most anticipated film, and after witnessing this first trailer we can’t wait to see more. It will be released in cinemas on July 21, 2017.

The post The breathtaking trailer for ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ is here appeared first on SpicyPulp.