Sounds like a geography lesson, but the only experience one takes away from ‘Valerian and The City of A Thousand Planets’ is the hazards of watching a film of this genre, viz. Sci-Fi. The 3D effects are certainly a saving grace though. Even though VFX is all about conception and illusion, how futuristic can film-makers get? For one, space-age films lack credibility, if not ingenuity.

Based on the French science fiction comic-book series ‘Valerian and Laureline’, the film opens with a race peacefully existing by the seaside, and as complacent and gratified as possible. Cut to a couple of characters – the main ones – Major Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Sgt. Laureline (Cara Delevingne), who are assigned to a mission directed by the Human Federation Government. Their job is to travel to a distant planet and return to Alpha space station – where creatures of all hues, shapes and sizes coexist, and where over 5000 languages are spoken.

The duo also has to protect Cmmdr. Filitt (Clive Owen) and oh, I almost forgot, it’s the 28th century! And the backstory to the film is the complacent and gratified race of people mentioned earlier. As Bubble – the space shifting entertainer – actress / singer / entertainer Rihanna is given adequate screen-time to showcase her talents.

Twenty years after ‘The Fifth Element’, director Luc Besson has helmed ‘Valerian and The City of A Thousand Planets’. The concept is original and the effort sincere, no doubt, but ultimately visuals alone can’t guarantee moviegoers flocking to the cinemas: it’s the end-product which matters. With almost 2800 special effects shots, the cinematography by Thierry Arbogast is admirable. And with an estimated cost of USD 209 million, it is the most expensive French, and independent, film ever made.