Tags
2010's, Action, Amr Waked, Choi Min-Sik, Luc Besson, Lucy, Morgan Freeman, Scarlett Johansson, Science Fiction
Film Title
Lucy
Director
Luc Besson
Starring
- Scarlett Johansson as Lucy
- Morgan Freeman as Professor Norman
- Choi Min-Sik as Mr. Jang
- Amr Waked as Pierre Del Rio
Lucy comes courtesy of director Luc Besson and emerges as a wholly ludicrous but enjoyable action/science fiction film. It’s big ideas and imaginings get a bit over the top and out of control, but some curious theories, bright visual palette and Scarlett Johansson as the eponymous character, more than engage with you, even when the overall film itself gets wildly uneven.
Lucy is an American woman, studying in Taipei. The film starts as her latest boyfriend and slime ball coerces her into delivering a mysterious case to a shady man named Mr. Jang. Lucy doesn’t want to do it, but her beau handcuffs her to the case leaving her with little choice. After this, Lucy is kidnapped by Jang’s associates, who it transpires are all in the Mob. Along with a few other men and through force, a bag of drugs is sewn into her system, and she must act as a drugs mule, otherwise those closest to her will be killed. During a torturous isolation, Lucy is severely beaten by the guards. One of these moments has big consequences, as the drugs that were implanted in her for trafficking burst and leak into her bloodstream. Quickly, Lucy grows incredibly powerful and escapes. From this moment on, her abilities advance alarmingly with her being able to not feel pain, manipulate objects and people and become almost impervious to harm. As she unlocks more of her brain power, the dangers arise as no one is sure just what will occur when she hits the highest level of brain activity. Professor Norman, a respected scientist who has studied topics relating to the powers of the cerebrum, becomes fascinated and curious of this young woman and just what she is capable of. On top of this, the mobsters are on her tail, which combines with her attempting to discover more about her accelerating powers. The main question is, just what will transpire and how dangerous will it be when Lucy reaches 100%?
Luc Besson has always been a stylish director, which he shows off again generously here. Yet while his direction is far from his best as it leaves things a little too ambiguous, his penchant for strong female warriors remains in a great quantity. The presence of the what if possibilities of the human brain(taking cues from the myth referred to in the film that humans use just 10% of their brain functions) act as both a string to the film’s bow and something that drags it down. It’s hard to explain as it ends up a bit of a mixed exercise in storytelling and ideas it brings into play. Lucy excels the most when delivering action and thrills, of which many can be gleaned. Also when it poses some philosophical questions regarding existence and time, the film shines. A great example is a scene near the end that is visually arresting and compelling to watch, but I won’t spoil it in case anyone hasn’t seen it. The film as a whole is more than a bit messy, but that scene is ace. Yet for all the probing of matter that goes on, the science and events grow absurd and a little repetitive, mainly in the mid-section. Still, somehow I couldn’t divert my eyes from Lucy, which suggests that it at least made some impact on my viewing experience. The most arresting and attention grabbing element of Lucy was the general unpredictability arising from what Lucy’s powers and capacities would reach too, and how many were exhibited with science fiction flair. These moments were resplendent with verve and sparks of imagination, that rose above the jumbled science and lack of real logic. The visual side of Lucy is superbly designed and detailed, particularly the shots of Lucy’s body on the inside as power and acceleration take their place in her blood through rapidly speeding shocks of light that keep going and increasing. A pounding soundtrack hits just the right feelings of something mysterious and dangerous about to hit.
Scarlett Johansson is one of the best things in Lucy. As the title character, she has enough charisma and presence to make the part memorable. The luscious Johansson is most adept at displaying Lucy’s shift from waif like innocent to omnipotent being with a detached confidence; as Lucy’s emotions thaw and all that makes her human is replaced by knowledge and steel. Some will say that she is a blank slate, but her intense eyes and focused demeanor boost the character to something else that other actresses would not have been able to do. Morgan Freeman is given scant material in a pretty thankless role, but in a style typical of him, he makes what he has good and filled with the intelligence we have come to associate with the great man. Choi Min-Sik is effectively used as the nasty mob boss who tangles with Lucy, while Amr Waked suffers from a badly written part of a police captain caught up in everything, yet at least attempts to ring something true out of it.
It’s completely barmy and preposterous, which both helps and weakens the film, but there is enough action and points of interest to be found in Lucy. Plus, the allure of Scarlett Johansson in the title role bolsters it significantly. It’s messy and scattershot, but I found myself largely entertained throughout this outrageous venture.
thoughtsallsorts said:
Was good fun for some action escapism – sometimes that’s exactly what we need isn’t it? Great review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
You said it perfectly. Yeah, I watched more for the action than anything else.
LikeLike
thoughtsallsorts said:
PS: I just couldn’t resist and watched your video on “Ever Wondered What I Look Like”…thanks! Was wonderful to see who you are…and yes, the person behind the blog still bring across that special magic! Vinnie, awesome blog, with what seems like an awesome guy behind it! So much for my self control 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Haha, well I like hearing that you did watch it and liked it. I just love doing what I do and hope that comes across.
LikeLike
thoughtsallsorts said:
Oh for sure…it definitely does come across – I wouldn’t be reading your posts if it didn’t.
Have a super duper weekend!
PS: I looked at the trailer for Crimson Peak and not even Tom’s behind can convince me to watch – I’m too chicken for horror movies, no matter how sexy the bums may be. Boohoooooo 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Your comments are like a glorious ray of sunshine. Crimson Peak is pretty intense.
LikeLike
thoughtsallsorts said:
Yep…it looks too hectic for me…sorry Vinnie.
Glad I can send some form of sunshine your way – my family tells me you guys have had freezing weather. London even had snow last night. So…here’s a little more sun from sunny South Africa ☀
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yes, it is freezing and I’m thrilled at the warmth you are sending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thoughtsallsorts said:
☀ ☀ ☀ ☀ ☀ ☀ ☀ ☀ ☀ ☀ ☀ ☀ ☀
Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
You too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
beetleypete said:
I have bought this DVD and haven’t seen it yet. So I skipped this post, and I will check back when I have had the chance to watch it.
Cheers, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Thanks Pete, I’m very curious to know what you make of this movie. You always boast an intriguing opinion.
LikeLike
Jeroen Admiraal said:
I don’t like this movie at all. I get upset just thinking about it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It was pretty sporadic and messy. Don’t know why I enjoyed it, probably Johansson.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jeroen Admiraal said:
A year ago I wrote my review of it. I’m afraid it is not very nuanced: https://jeroenthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/08/10/lucy-2014/
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I’ll have to check it out. Will bookmark to read later.
LikeLike
Bluebird4UDaily said:
vinnieh, I’m so glad you did this review.. I remember now seeing the trailer for this film, but forgot to check it out either on D.V.D. or Netflix… I’m going to search for it today.. Take care, Laura
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s not the greatest film out there Laura, but I found it pretty exciting in parts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hmm. Not sure if this is for me, but fantabulous review Vinnie!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It was pretty mixed. But the sexy Johansson held the attention.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
She has that ability to capture the attention no matter what.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I think many people underrate her as an actress because of her beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think that’s true for many actresses unfortunately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s really unfortunate as many are so talented and get overlooked.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heartafire said:
Thanks for the review of “Lucy”. I have been trying to get out to see the movie, now I most definitely will find time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Don’t expect a masterpiece and you probably won’t be disappointed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heartafire said:
Good to know
!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I like to give my readers the heads up before they see a film.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meg Sorick said:
This movie has started running on one of our cable channels. I started to watch the other night but had to leave it because I wanted to watch President Obama’s farewell speech. I have to admit thinking it was kind of all over the place… However, like you I love Scarlett Johansen. May give it another go. Thanks for a great review Vinnie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It is all over the place, but Johansson catches the eye. You simply can’t look away, her allure and talent is so strong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meg Sorick said:
Most definitely! I want to be Natasha Romanov! 😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
She is smoking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meg Sorick said:
Agreed! If I was a dude… Lol! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Johansson is gorgeous but in my eyes also very talented.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meg Sorick said:
Yes, I agree. I do love her as a badass action star, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
She’s a perfect badass.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Richard said:
This feels like the kind of film you just sit back and enjoy the bonkers action, which I love to do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yes it is bonkers and then some Richard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Often Off Topic said:
Great review! I loved the idea of this movie but it so messy, and the ending lost me completely. Have you seen Limitless? That’s not a perfect movie either, but it’s got a similar story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s pretty messy and scattershot. Still had parts that entertained though. Yes I have seen Limitless, it was years ago mind you.
LikeLike
Cara said:
I watched more for the action than anything else. The plot was as far-fetched as anything else that Hollywood ever invented.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I wholeheartedly agree with your opinion Cara. The action and style grips, while the story has good moments, but falls into realms of ridiculousness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hypersonic55 said:
Interesting review yo, for me Lucy was interesting and fun to a point, but then just got far too ridiculous and that ending left me feeling so unfulfilled and annoyed. Johansson was the saving grace of this film.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Johansson was indeed a lot of the reason the film stayed afloat. I mean, some of the ideas were intriguing, but they all wound up getting more than a little out of hand. Felt like they were chucking everything but the kitchen sink at us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
raistlin0903 said:
I absolutely love this film. It not only stars Scarlett Johansson (which in itself is a plus), but also mr Old Boy himself who is just a terrific actor. Yes the movie was sometimes a bit strange and weird, but it wasn’t boring in the least. Awesome post 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yes, I can’t say I was ever bored when watching this as it moved at such a lightning pace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ninvoid99 said:
I liked this film. I had fun watching it. After all, seeing Scarlett bring it and display charisma is just awesome. That’s why she’s one of the best and if you don’t agree with that. Then I’ll have to call Scar-Jo 3:16 and have her give you a Scar-Jo Stunna!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I love Scarlett Johansson. Not only is she beautiful, but talented too. Her subtlety in acting is lovely to watch.
LikeLike
Wendell said:
You said it all at the beginning – “a wholly ludicrous but enjoyable action/science fiction film.” It’s a nutty mess, but damn if it ain’t fun to watch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s nutty off the chain but for all the ridiculous parts, it keeps you enthralled with the action.
LikeLike
fragglerocking said:
I liked it too, Scarlett Johannsen is da bomb.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I really love Scarlett Johansson. Not enough people praise her as an actress.
LikeLiked by 1 person
fragglerocking said:
We will though V~man 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yes, you and I shall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
alexraphael said:
Not sure I’d like it, but really well covered here. Out of curiosity what is your least favourite film of hers or one you’ve never wanted to see?
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
That’s an interesting question Alex. I don’t know, In Good Company didn’t really impress me.
LikeLike
alexraphael said:
Don’t remember it doing that well. The Perfect Score would be mine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I can’t say I’ve seen that film.
LikeLike
alexraphael said:
I wouldn’t bother.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Appreciate you giving me that warning. Will find things of worth to watch instead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Then again, I haven’t seen it in years so I may change my mind if I watch it again.
LikeLike
keepsmealive said:
We saw this, and laughed and thought it was silly. There was some cool stuff, and Scarlett’s always smokin’ hot, but the pseudo-science hurt our heads. You’re right, it’s messy and scattershot, but if you can suspend your disbelief and turn off your brain, it’s pretty to look at!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yeah, switch your brain off and you may find it enjoyable is my message for anyone considering watching it.
LikeLike
keepsmealive said:
Sort of a backhanded compliment for it, though, isn’t it…
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yeah, which ever way we decide to gloss it up.
LikeLike
table9mutant said:
Nice review, Vinnie! This is a guilty pleasure for me. I really enjoyed it even though I know it’s silly. : )
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
We are all entitled to at least one guilty cinematic pleasure in our lives. Where would the fun be without them?
LikeLiked by 1 person
table9mutant said:
Exactly! Worthy films are fine but watching them too much gets boring. ; )
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s fun to watch something that doesn’t challenge you and is easy.
LikeLike
abbiosbiston said:
I have to be honest, I HATED Lucy. She becomes a really unlikable character after her brain capacity increases. Basically she just goes around shooting anyone who as much as looks at her funny. Apparently this is because the increased capacity cuts her off from her human emotions… but then her entire purpose seems to be to share all her knowledge with humanity. Why? If she can’t be arsed with any of us anyway, why would she need give a monkey’s about whether we knew the secrets of the universe. And what does she need Professor Norman for? She knows everything.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I can see you feel very strongly about the film. I have spoken to quite a number of people who really despised this movie.
LikeLike
Rebecca Dawn said:
I loved this movie. I love movies that makes one question life, evolution all the what ifs life creates
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It was intensely barmy and yet I enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Cameron D Hamilton said:
I’ve been wanting to watch this for a while now… so much so its made it to Netflix and ive still not gotten to it. I’ve heard alot about the 10% conceit but Luc Besson generally makes really interesting and visually stunning movies so a little suspension of disbelief isn’t harmful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Well plenty of the style that Besson usually employs is on show in Lucy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
brettmkane said:
Although I am a big fan of Johansson, I have yet to see this one. I feared exactly what you said – it just seemed too silly, and messy. Maybe I’ll give it a watch some day. Nice writing as always, Vinnie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It is so ludicrous in the extreme and whacked out from the get go. But I found myself liking parts of it, despite knowing it was hokum.
LikeLiked by 1 person
theeditorsjournal said:
I wasn’t bothered about any ‘ludicrosities’ I just enjoyed it. Have watched a few times since as they kept repeating it and enjoyed it each time. Liked the review, it’s always fun to hear other people’s take on things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It is better to surrender to a film like this, rather than give yourself a headache.
LikeLike
theeditorsjournal said:
Lol that’s one way of looking at it!
LikeLiked by 1 person