A Less Emotional Review

Rating: 5/10 (18 March 1999)

I am a sci-fi/fantasy fan. I very much enjoyed Besson's film, The Professional. I have enjoyed a lot of Bruce Willis's films. I enjoyed Star Wars but am not insane about it. I was prepared to like this movie very much, but (unlike everyone else who commented) I cannot say that I loved or hated this film.
I thought the movie had some good parts, and although Chris Tucker usually annoys me, I thought his part in the fight scene was hilarious. I had no trouble following the plot, what there was of one, but I never believed in the motivations of the characters. Some of the characters and their motivations were obviously not intended to be taken seriously, but I never could believe in the love between the principals, even though that was supposed to be what was saving the universe. The only character who involved me was the Diva, and she was a minor character who appeared in too few scenes. Also, maybe I missed something somewhere, but why was a person (Leeloo) who supposedly knew nothing of Earth's languages and cultures able to start sounding out and understanding words simply by seeing some writing? And if she started out understanding writing, why couldn't she start out knowing how to pronounce?
I think it's worth the price of rental to see this movie, but I would not purchase a copy. However, the soundtrack is worth having. Except for the annoying bonus track (Thanks for the extra, guys!) the music is haunting and evocative. Lucia Di Lammermoor is beautifully performed by Inva Mulla Tchako. You might want to rent this movie just to check out the music.