A terrible movie anyway you look at it!

Rating: Null/10 (17 February 2002)

'The Fifth Element' is one of a very small handful of movies that no matter how many times I try to watch all the way through uninterrupted, I never quite succeed. I treasure the surreal movies of Lynch, Jodorowsky and Jess Franco, and closer to home, will watch 'Zardoz' at the drop of a hat. I can usually handle incoherent plot-lines, over the top characters, and movies with style over substance, but I draw the line at this self-indulgent mess. Ever tried to read a book when drunk? That's how I feel whenever I try and watch 'The Fifth Element'. There's something about this movie that I just can't get into. It often seems like you're watching an unreleased sequel to 'Buckaroo Banzai'. Except without the fun and energy of that cult classic. I really don't know what Luc Besson was trying to achieve here, but whatever it was, unless it was to make a cinematic migraine, it didn't work. The only thing of note about this movie is its eccentric supporting cast (Tiny Lister as the President?!) of comedians, Brits, musicians, Luke Perry and b-grade King, the late, great Brion James. Maybe in ten years time I'll come round to this, but right now I'll pass. This is just plain terrible!