Should you watch this in 3D? No.
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? No.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Only if you’re into science fiction.
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 127 minutes (~2 hours)
“Jupiter Ascending” is a science fiction film about how a seemingly ordinary Earth woman is drawn into a raging war of inheritance between three feuding alien heirs. It stars Mila Kunis (Jupiter Jones), Channing Tatum (Caine Wise), Eddie Redmayne (Balem Abrasax), Douglas Booth (Titus Abrasax), Sean Benn (Stinger Apini), and Tuppence Middleton (Kalique Abrasax).
“Jupiter Ascending” seems to have everything going for it – an interesting concept, excellent effects, and a strong team helming the project. Unfortunately, it falls short in the most important aspect of all – the story – and this results in a colossal mess of a film.
Highlights
Excellent set design
If there’s one thing to be said for “Jupiter Ascending,” it’s that no expense was spared in making the world as detailed and believable as possible. The level of detail that goes into each culture’s setting reflects the mindsets and beliefs of that species, acting as a visual shorthand for the defining characteristics of those races. Small touches also provide unsaid exposition for how the universe functions, creating a greater sense of versimilitude as you watch the film.
Great costumes and special effects
The character designs are also meticulously planned, with each piece of clothing and each accessory serving a purpose, whether it is for form or function. The special effects are also top-notch – it’s hard to tell which parts of the film are CGI and which are practical effects. The collaborative effect of this is that it creates an immersive world for you to be lost in, but close enough to Earth to be relatable.
Letdowns
A complex plot devolves into a simplistic story
The plot begins with so much promise. Political intrigue! Feuds spanning centuries! Royal dynasties at stake! Then the whole story sinks into a shooting gallery as each antagonist patiently, neatly, and systematically wait their turn to take potshots at our heroine. They don’t even interact with each other after the first half of Act One. It feels like a tremendous letdown after all that setup.
Draggy and artificial action scenes
While the effects, choreography, and designs might be excellent, the actual action drags on for far too long and makes absolutely no sense at times. And this is coming from an action and science fiction fan. The action scenes feel like a Channing Tatum showcase rather than serving even the slightest bit of story purpose. As a result, they feel overly long and pointless.
Mila Kunis & Channing Tatum look terrible together
Both of them are very good looking – but together, they look awkward and unnatural. Perhaps it’s the lack of chemisry, but most glaringly is the huge age gap between them. In story, Caine Wise looks like some sort of lecherous cradle snatcher when he reveals his feelings for Jupiter Jones. True, he goes to great lengths to save her – but you never quite figure out why he likes her, which just exacerbates the whole age gap issue.
Act Three follows the exact same structure and story as Act Two
As you come to the climax of the film, you’ll start feeling an eerie sense of deja vu. Where have I seen this before? Why does it all feel so familiar? Is there a glitch in the Matrix?
That’s because the exact same story played out in the exact same way with the exact same beats and stakes, just half an hour ago. The plot for Act Three is identical to the plot of Act Two, what with the motivation, the rescue, and the stakes. It feels like Act Two could have been cut out and the entire story would have just been fine – no repetition and rehash of the same story!
“Jupiter Ascending” looks good but feels hollow. And after all the hype and expectations, it turns out to be worse than the run-of-the-mill film – it’s like a very expensive B-grade movie with a famous cast.
“Jupiter Ascending” opens in cinemas 5 February, 2015 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo Singapore.
It’s not perfect, but I at least found myself enjoyed with this. Good review.