Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

by Kaitlyn Dillard

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets enterprises on the recent revitalization of the space science-
fiction genre, following two special operatives, Valerian and Laureline, as they try to keep peace in the
human territories.

The opening of the film is one of the most entertaining montage scenes to come out in film history. The
montage covers the growth of humanity, while they are discovering space exploration. It isnt only the
nostalgic feel of seeing the development of space travel, but its the inclusion that the montage hints at. As
humanity begins to understand space, they also begin to accept and adapt to not only other races but to
other species. This ideal of acceptance and inclusion is a theme that runs throughout the entire film,
uplifting the plots during crucial moments.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets follows agents Valerian and Laureline as they try to protect
Alpha, a space station comprised of more than a million diverse species and creatures. At times, the plot
seems frantic and out of place, as if it was grasping for ways to make it more exciting.

However, the overall plot is entertaining and is similar to an old episode of Star Trek, following outer
space agents as they try to stand for what they believe in while also maintaining their sense of duty. The
characters Valerian, portrayed by Dan DeHaan, and Laureline, played by Cara Delevinge, are complex
and fun to watch as they fight for what they believe in.

The characters are entertaining for the audience to see how they unfold, but it isnt just the characters that
make the movie an astounding visual piece.

The computer-generated imagery (CGI) throughout the film makes it a masterpiece of different cultures
and ways of life, breathing life into millions of imaginary species. This is no surprise due to the fact that
the director has dealt with such a world before. Before Luc Besson directed Valerian, he directed the fan
favorite and cult classic The Fifth Element, and Besson seems to return to his element in his 2017 film.

The CGI is just the visual cherry on top to the film that will entertain audiences this summer. Valerian and
the City of a Thousand Planets earns itself 3.5 Os out of 5 for its visual effects, fun characters, and a plot
that touches upon diversity and inclusion.

Visit the Orpheum this summer for all of your movie needs. Movies run Monday through Friday at 7:15
p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. For more information and movie titles and
times, contact the Orpheum at 918-756-2270.