Just a good action movie

Rating: 6/10 (23 August 2014)

Luc Besson is an interesting director. He has unbelievably cool films: like one of my favorites Leon the Professional, but I could also say the Big Blue and the Fifth Element. The there are some of his later films The Family that wasn't totally lame but it wasn't outstanding either. So it's strange that even if he's said in the past that he won't be doing anymore films now all of a sudden he comes out with a new film. And it can be said that it's similar to the later ones. The film's story is pretty typical which makes it fit more with the films he's produced like The Transporter or Taxi. But it's characteristic of these types of directors that viewers are always interested in what they do 'cause their films always have the potential to be something great. When news 1st hit of the film being in the works Angelina Jolie was attached to it as the star and it seemed like the story would be a good fit for her, like her roles in Wanted and Salt. Unfortunately she jumped ship and Scarlett Johansson came aboard. Of course Johansson is a talented actress but these types of action films are only just now becoming part of her repertoire but it's interesting to see her have a go at it. The script of course is credited to Besson, who can be hit and miss with them. But one can hope that it won't end up bad. The film was shot in France with French money but Universal purchased the rights for the States. In any case Besson doesn't usually run into quality problems with his French projects so it was expected to work. But what was the actual result? A pretty positive one. In a world run by the mob, street gangs, drug addicts, and corrupt cops, Lucy (Scarlett Johansson) is a woman living in Taipei, Taiwan who is forced to work as a drug mule for the mob. A drug implanted in her body inadvertently leaks into her system, which allows her to use more than the "normal" 10% of her brain's capacity, thus changing her into a superhuman. As a result, she can absorb information instantaneously, is able to move objects with her mind, and can choose not to feel pain or other discomforts, in addition to other abilities. It's kind of a basic requirement to have a good idea, being that there is something hidden in the far reaches of the mind. So the films story doesn't sound half bad, what causes problems is that all of it is buried in an action film. So then what do you need a good idea for? It gets lost amongst the big and effective action scenes. That's kind of how you can categorize Lucy. It's filled with cool stuff and action. Probably Besson had the idea and thought he is good at doing action films so he'd merge the two. The film does do a good job with the action stuff, it's filmed well, it's has tight cuts, and it's directed well. But the other side is lacking. The film as just an action film works. Scarlett Johansson is surprisingly good as a war crazed Amazon. The film suits her and she suits the film. The other actors are there too. The problem was the film didn't get to be more than an action flick. It's just what I said an average film but a cool and well made action flick. Despite the good acting the characters are kind of shallow and the script could be deeper. Of course that does depend on what you expect of the film. Besson makes me want more. I just didn't get it. It's good work and it's entertaining, but just don't expect to get deeper meaning. If you don't you won't be disappointed. All in all Lucy is a perfect mindless action flick but no more. Though it must be noted that it doesn't want you to think it's more and trick anyone it just wants to entertain and that works. I had fun watching it but Big Blue and Leon well they made me expect more. 7/10 https://www.youtube.com/user/Videodromeblog