Andy and Lana Wachowski, the writing/directing team behind 1999's The Matrix, have ventured far outside of our world for their newest visual masterpiece, Jupiter Ascending.
Radiant from start to finish with truly remarkable visuals, the Wachowski siblings have crafted a film that plays to their strengths: visual effects. Though many will be distracted by the bright colors and jaw-dropping maneuvers, most will see through the debris and notice that at its heart, Jupiter Ascending offers little in the way of plot, character development, or interest; instead focusing in on what the eye can see. While I can't judge them for this maneuver, I also can't erase the continuously misguided moments that comprise what is an easy frontrunner for a 2016 Razzie.
The film, at its core, centers around Jupiter Jones, a young woman who spends her days cleaning toilets of those more fortunate than her. But when an ex-solider comes looking for her, Jupiter finds herself in the middle of a possessive sibling rivalry of galaxy sized proportions. It is now up to her to save the human race and solidify her destiny as the savior of the universe.
Yes"¦the plot doesn't offer much. And yes, it is as ridiculous as it seems.
Starring Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum as Jupiter and her ex-solider in shining armor respectively, the Wachowskis are unable to fit the puzzle pieces together to ever formulate a clear and concise picture. Instead, they focus on what they are good at, producing an amazing visual aesthetic. From the special effects to the costume and make-up, everything is in place visually. Unfortunately, it is the other senses that begin to be a problem as you find yourself chuckling at a film that has absolutely no intention of being viewed as a comedy.
Both Kunis and Tatum do surprisingly well, given their one-dimensional characters and bland dialogue. And while atrocious is a word that constantly comes to mind, it is nearly impossible to pinpoint the moment in which the film takes a strong nosedive from mediocre and watchable to downright awful.
The ending comes after two agonizing hours of movie hell. Cliché to the very last beat, Jupiter Ascending adds absolutely nothing positive to the already drab February calendar. And with Eddie Redmayne's painfully heinous turn as Balem Abrasax, the film's main villain, I do wonder if Jupiter Ascending will be his Norbit. And we all know how that one turned out on Oscar night.
