28 July 2017.
Sorry, but this is not a great week for new films. Just letting you know, so you can save time and money.
VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS *1/2
It hurts me to give such a low rating to a film by Luc Besson, as I have greatly admired his work throughout the years, despite the jibes of other critics. I would call them envious of his continuous success and bravado.
Besson is a romantic and a great lover of cinema in the best sense – he will go out on a limb to defend his feelings and innovations – starting with the memorable, sweeping “Le Grand Bleu”, his outrageous but brilliant “Leon”, his thrilling “La Femme Nikita”, his romantic “Angel-A”, the hilariously wild and crazy “The Fifth Element”, and his innovative “Lucy” with the spectacular Scarlett Johansson.
The man has big ideas and he’s not scared to push them through, whether in France or internationally. And his characters have always been as large and important as his vast vision.
But with this blockbuster he’s gone astray in a maze of pretty dreams and wild technology, and lost track of his characters and his usually tight scenario. This one is a teenybopper’s futuristic circus – with a few fun ideas but seemingly without any meaningful thread. The only thing worthwhile that I can remember from it is a shiny Rihanna and her myriad dancing personas – great spectacle, but too little to satisfy us on this lengthy ride. Pity. He must come back with more of his immense talent.
DAVID LYNCH – THE ART LIFE *1/2
We’ve always known that David Lynch is an eccentric. Artist, writer, director of “Blue Velvet”, “Twin Peaks”, “Wild at Heart”. But also sadistic, a bit crazy, definitely eccentric. Dark in his worldview and the darling of critics and film festivals.
If you love the man and the artist, go see this documentary, for it is just like him: sombre, meandering, somewhat pointless, rather dull. What is strange is that he had such a happy childhood and loving parents, yet turned out so twisted. I am not a fan.
Superb **** Very Good *** Good ** Mediocre * Miserable – no stars
By Neptune
Neptune Ravar Ingwersen reviews film extensively for publications in Switzerland. She views 4 to 8 films a week and her aim is to sort the wheat from the chaff for readers.
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