Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – Visually Stunning, Wildly Imaginative
Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets is the new adventure film from Luc Besson, the director of The Professional, The Fifth Element and Lucy, based on the comic book series which inspired a generation of artists, writers and filmmakers. In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha-an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence and cultures with each other. There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tristan T. comments, “From the start, it is visually stimulating. Between the wildly imaginative alien characters and the vivid and breathtaking scenery it captures the audience from beginning to end.” Arjun N. adds, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets fascinated me because of the excellent, ahead of its time special effects. The stunt work is top level. The spectacular direction delivers flair to the story.” See their full reviews below.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
By Tristan T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. From the start, it is 
visually stimulating. Between the wildly imaginative alien characters and the vivid and breathtaking scenery it captures the audience from beginning to end. It is truly a fun and entertaining film to watch.
Based on the comic book series “Valerian and Laureline,” Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, follows two agents Valerian (Dane DeHaan)and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) as they race to capture the villain and save Alpha and the future of the universe. It is both exhilarating and comical to watch their pursuit.
One complaint I have is that there is so much more to be explored in Alpha and the universe you become engrossed in. 
For instance, there is a virtual reality called The Marketplace that is so amazing. If you visit www.valerianmovie.com, you get a glimpse of it. I am crossing my fingers we will see a sequel from the writers, Pierre Christin, Jean-Claude Mezieres and Luc Besson.
My favorite character is General Okto-Bar (Sam Spruell). I appreciate his character arc and the way he develops throughout the film. He is very relatable and, even though he plays a general, he shows a level of connection with others not often found in that position. The legendary director, 
Luc Beeson, from The Fifth Element and Lucy, to name a few, made this an extraordinary film to watch.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence, some language and suggestive humor. I recommend it for ages 11 to 18, but I truly think everyone in your family will enjoy it. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It is playing in theaters now so, go check it out.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
By Arjun Nair, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets fascinated me because of the excellent, ahead of its time special effects. The 
stunt work is top level. The spectacular direction delivers flair to the story.
The storyline is about Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne), who are operatives that maintain order in the human territories. Under operation from Commander Filitt (Clive Owen), the team embarks on a mission to Alpha, the City of a Thousand Planets. While on the mission, the team meets shapeshifter Bubble (Rihanna), who helps them. However, a mystery at the center of Alpha could threaten the existence of every person in the city. Only Valerian can unlock the secret beneath the threat.
Dane DeHaan as Valerian bravely presents his character who tries to save the universe, while at the same time impress 
his partner, Laureline. Dane is excellent in his battle scenes, especially in the final showdown. Cara Delevingne, as Laureline, expresses her extreme love and confidence in her effort to rescue Alpha. Clive Owen as Commander Filitt seems heroic, but puzzles Valerian with his classified files. He is my favorite character. Rihanna, as Bubble, can transform into any shape to help the team. She also represents a slave who craves freedom. Sam Spruell as General Octo Bar is noble and firm in how he presents his orders and also tries to solve the mystery of the classified files of Commander Filitt.
The direction by Luc Besson is splendid. Innovative camera techniques are used to present most of the locales, especially 
in The City of a Thousand Planets. My favorite scene is when Valerian takes a shortcut across the city. It is a treat to watch, due to how the environments switch. My only problem in this film is that it jumps everywhere following various sub-plots, which makes it difficult to follow. Despite that flaw, the special effects make it worthwhile.
The film’s message is that it is sometimes necessary to break conventional rules for a worthy cause. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18 because of its intense action and brief language. The movie releases in theaters on July 21st, so check it out for one, ahead of its time sci-fi film.
