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# Review

Based on the French comic series Valérian and Laureline, this film is a space opera starring Dane DeHaan in the role of Major Valerian and Cara Delevingne in the role of Valerian’s partner Sergeant Laureline. The story is about Alpha, a metropolis in space inhabited by species from thousands of planets. A sinister plot threatens Alpha; Valerian and Laureline must uncover the threat and save Alpha.

The story is interesting but generic and the special effects are decent. The dialogue is extremely corny and overly explicit in explaining plot details. For much of the film, I was unsure about the target audience. The tone of the film certainly suggests a more childish target demographic but the film also features guns and violence. On top of the bad dialogue, the acting is almost very out of place; DeHaan plays a Valerian that borders on austere while Delevingne plays an archetypal sidekick. The film also features some interesting casting choices such as Rihana playing an alien cabaret singer and (accused rapist) Kris Wu as a United Human Federation soldier. Overall, instead of portraying a fantastical world of many possibilities, the film feels disorganized and all over the place. The few shining lights of the film is its soundtrack, which features some decent pop songs, and the costume and art design which is imaginative and futuristic.

# Conclusion

A generic space opera that feels a bit childish.

# Overall rating: 6.6

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