Product: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (Region 2) (1999)
Rating: 2.0
Jojovich stands out in this seen-it-all-before movie.
It seems that Luc Besson is capable of reaching deep inside of this Milla Jojovich and bringing out a beautiful monster. Her portrayal of one of the least understood of our most famous icons is intense, and thoughtful - bringing the viewer full circle around the character of Joan of Arc.Unfortunately, Jojovich is the the only relief from what is a long and generously violent flick. There are a number of "spirtual" moments in the film which deal with her supposed communication with God. However, it is apparent that Besson has his predetermined notions as to whether Joan of Arc was indeed divine or disturbed and we are never really given the opportunity to consider the other.Unfortunately for Besson, this is the first movie to involve knights, castles, and battles since Braveheart(Gibson, 1995) which seems to have become the obvious comparison. Even the "revenge" story is not dissimilar enough from the Braveheart "righteous revenge" theme to encourage excitement about The Messenger.Even an "Obi-Wan Kenobi" style performance from Dustin Hoffman does not detract from the fact that by the time you have sat through The Messenger, you will really feel that you have seen it all before.