One of my three favorite movies of all time!

Rating: 10/10 (30 November 2002)

Let me begin by simply saying, "I love this movie!" With a stellar cast (Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Ian Holm, the late Brion James, Chris Tucker, and last, but never EVER least, Gary Oldman), a wonderful, action-packed, funny story, with just the right amount of "let's straighten up our act before we wipe out mankind" sermonizing, I never tire of this movie. I've probably seen it over 100 times and never fail to find some little gem that I missed the time before, and the time before that, and so on.
Bruce Willis is at his best as the reluctant hero, a futuristic Joe Everyman whose future is changed when a woman drops into his life and changes the course of history. Willis is always best when he's able to be his usual wry, sarcastic self, and Luc Besson blesses us with a story which utilizes this to it's full potential. Milla Jovovich is delightfully innocent as our supreme-being-in-the-making, Ian Holm is surprisingly funny as the priest, and Chris Tucker is his usual screamingly hilarious self. Before seeing "The Fifth Element" for the first time in 1997 I was not familiar with any of Chris Tucker's other work, so this was my first introduction to his rapid-fire dialogue and campy hamming. I cannot think of anyone else who can talk as fast as he can and still be understandable. And funny. Gary Oldman tops it all off with a generous helping of his patented creepy villian, which I can never get enough of.
Luc Besson's story is full of action, adventure, comedy, romance, enough-but-not-too-much silliness, and just an all-around sense of fun. The only fault I did find with the entire movie was the mother of Bruce Willis' character hounding him for no apparent reason. What in the world was the reason for this? But it is only a minor distraction in an otherwise fabulous movie.
I would recommend this *very* highly and give it a 10 out of 10 stars. Settle in and get ready for a highly entertaining and enjoyable ride!