"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" Review by Tim Hellman

'VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS': Four Stars (Out of Five)

A big-budget science-fiction French action movie, from writer/director Luc Besson. It's based on the French sci-fi comic book series 'Valerian and Laureline' (which debuted in 1967), from writer Pierre Christin and illustrator Jean-Claude Mezieres. The film tells the story of two special space agents, Valerian and Laureline, who must stop an unknown invading force from wiping out the planet Alpha (a home for species from a thousand different worlds). The movie stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke and Rutger Hauer. It was made on a budget of $180 million, which was all funded by Besson himself (through his own funds, and crowd-sourcing), making it the biggest budgeted indie film of all time (as well as the highest budgeted French film). It needs to make $350 million (worldwide) in order to make a profit (Besson says), and justify a sequel, and it's gotten mostly positive (to slightly above average) reviews from critics so far. I found the story, and lead characters, to be a little bit dull, but the amazing alien world created by Besson, and the visuals, are absolutely stunning!

The story takes place primarily on the planet Alpha, where species from a thousand different planets live together in peace. Special agents Valerian (DeHaan) and Laureline (Delevingne) are tasked with protecting Alpha, by taking down law offenders that threaten to harm the peace. At the same time Valerian professes his love for Laureline, and he desperately tries to get her to reciprocate the feeling. When an unknown alien force threatens not only Alpha, but the entire universe, Valerian and Laureline are forced into their greatest adventure together yet.

The vast fantastical world Besson has created (on screen in this movie) is as impressive as some of the best science fiction films ever made (including Besson's own 'THE FIFTH ELEMENT', if you consider that one of the best). The special effects are also at least some of this year's best. I was really into the film too, for the first half of it's running length, and then I slowly started to lose interest, until it became a bit of a bore at the end. I still have to give it a positive recommendation though, for what Besson does accomplish with the film (especially for an indie movie), and I know I would have adored it as a kid. I'm not familiar with the comic book though, so I don't have any idea what fans of it will think, but I'd still recommend seeing it on the big screen (in 3D, like I did) just for the fun of the visuals.

Final Trailer for "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets"

EuropaCorp and STX Films recently released the final trailer for Luc Besson's latest film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets". The film is based on the French sci-fi comic series "Valerian and Laureline". The film stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne,  Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu and John Goodman.
 
"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" is slated to hits theaters on July 21st.


Plot Synopsis:

Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline- visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga.

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner- blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him.

Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha's seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.

  "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets": Final Trailer

Official Character Posters for Luc Besson's "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets"

EuropaCorp recently send us the official character posters for Luc Besson's latest film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets". The film is based on the French sci-fi comic series "Valerian and Laureline". The film stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne,  Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu and John Goodman.
 
"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" is slated to hits theaters on July 21st.


Plot Synopsis:

Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline- visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga.

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner- blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him.

Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha's seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.

"Miss Sloane" Review by Tim Hellman

'MISS SLOANE': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A political thriller starring Jessica Chastain, as an obsessively dedicated lobbyist who dares to take on the gun-lobby. The film was directed by seasoned filmmaker John Madden (who also directed Chastain in the 2010 thriller 'THE DEBT'), and it was written by first time screenwriter Jonathan Perera. It costars Mark Strong, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alison Pill, Sam Waterston, John Lithgow and Jake Lacy. The movie's received mostly positive reviews from critics, and Chastain has received a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination (Drama) for her performance. I was really moved by the film!

Elizabeth Sloane (Chastain) is one of the most successful, and disturbingly obsessive, lobbyists in Washington, D.C.. Her tactics are known for being questionably immoral, and sometimes illegal, as she'll do almost anything to win. Sloane catches everyone by surprise, when she decides to challenge the even more corrupt gun-lobby. Her extreme dedication to winning might finally become too much for her, as well as everyone around her, in her new daring conquest.

The film is politically insightful, especially in modern times, and quite dramatically involving too. Chastain gives a very powerful performance (possibly one of the best of her career), and her character is pretty fascinating as well. The movie should be seen as quality entertainment to everyone, no matter where you stand on the political topic. In my humble opinion, it's an impressively well made film.

Official Trailer for the Upcoming Action Film "Renegades"

EuropaCorp recently released the official poster and trailer for their upcoming film "Renegades" The film stars J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) & Sullivan Stapleton (300: Rise of an Empire), is Directed by Steven Quale (Final Destination 5 and Into the Storm) and is an original story written by Richard Wenk & Luc Besson (Taken and Lucy).

"Renegades" hits theaters on February 3rd.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Ren3gadesMovie.

Plot Synopsis:

RENEGADES is about a team of Navy SEALs on assignment in war-torn Europe who discover a treasure of gold at the bottom of a lake -- rumored to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In an effort to help the locals, they go rogue and engineer a heist to retrieve the gold and return it to its rightful owners. But in a deadly turn of events, they are detected by the enemy and left with only 10 hours to carry out their mission.

"Renegades": Official Trailer

Official Poster for the Upcoming Suspense Thriller "Shut In"

EuropaCorp recently send the official poster for their upcoming film "Shut In". The film stars Naomi Watts, Oliver Platt, David Cubitt and Jacob Tremblay.


"Shut In" hits theaters on November 11th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/ShutInMovie

Plot Synopsis:

SHUT IN is a heart-pounding thriller starring Naomi Watts as a widowed child psychologist who lives an isolated existence in rural New England. Caught in a deadly winter storm, she must find a way to rescue a young boy before he disappears forever.

"Shut In": Official Trailer

Teaser Poster for Luc Besson's Upcoming Film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets"

EuropaCorp recently send us the official teaser poster for Luc Besson's latest film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets". The film is based on the French sci-fi comic series "Valerian and Laureline". The film stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne,  Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu and John Goodman.
 
"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" is slated to hits theaters on July 17th, 2017.


Plot Synopsis:

Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline- visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga.

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner- blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him.

Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha's seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.

First Trailer and Teaser Poster for the Upcoming Thriller "Shut In"

EuropaCorp recently send the first trailer and stills for their upcoming film "Shut In". The film stars Naomi Watts, Oliver Platt, David Cubitt and Jacob Tremblay.

"Shut In" hits theaters on November 11th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/ShutInMovie

Plot Synopsis:

SHUT IN is a heart-pounding thriller starring Naomi Watts as a widowed child psychologist who lives an isolated existence in rural New England. Caught in a deadly winter storm, she must find a way to rescue a young boy before he disappears forever.

"Shut In": Official Trailer

First Stills for EuropaCorp's Upcoming Thriller "Shut In"

EuropaCorp recently send over stills for their upcoming film "Shut In". The film stars Naomi Watts, Oliver Platt, David Cubitt and Jacob Tremblay.

"Shut In" hits theaters on November 11th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/ShutInMovie

Plot Synopsis:

SHUT IN is a heart-pounding thriller starring Naomi Watts as a widowed child psychologist who lives an isolated existence in rural New England. Caught in a deadly winter storm, she must find a way to rescue a young boy before he disappears forever.

First Images from Luc Besson's Upcoming Film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets"

EuropaCorp recently send us information that Luc Besson's latest film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" recently started filming. The film is based on the French sci-fi comic series "Valerian and Laureline". The film stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne,  Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu and John Goodman.
 
"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" is slated to hits theaters on July 17th, 2017.

Plot Synopsis:

Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline- visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga.

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner- blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him.

Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha's seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.

Political Thriller "Miss Sloane" Starts Principal Photography

EuropaCorp recently announced that they started principal photography on the political thriller "Miss Sloane". The film will be directed by John Madden (THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE)and stars Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain (ZERO DARK THIRTY, INTERSTELLAR), Mark Strong (TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (BELLE), Michael Stuhlbarg (A SERIOUS MAN), Alison Pill (THE NEWSROOM), Jake Lacy (HOW TO BE SINGLE), Oscar-nominated actor Sam Waterston (THE KILLING FIELDS, LAW AND ORDER), and John Lithgow (INTERSTELLAR, DEXTER).

"Miss Sloane" is slated for release in 2017.

Press Release:

EuropaCorp announced today that principal photography on the political thriller MISS SLOANE began on February 17th, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. It will be directed by John Madden (THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE) and Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain (ZERO DARK THIRTY, INTERSTELLAR) stars in the title role of Elizabeth Sloane. Ariel Zeitoun will produce for EuropaCorp alongside Ben Browning for FilmNation and Kris Thykier for Archery Pictures. Patrick Chu (FilmNation) serves as the executive producer. Jonathan Perera wrote the original screenplay.

Also starring in the film are Mark Strong (TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (BELLE), Michael Stuhlbarg (A SERIOUS MAN), Alison Pill (THE NEWSROOM), Jake Lacy (HOW TO BE SINGLE), Oscar-nominated actor Sam Waterston (THE KILLING FIELDS, LAW AND ORDER), and John Lithgow (INTERSTELLAR, DEXTER).

In MISS SLOANE, a ruthless and highly successful political strategist, Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain), exposes the cutthroat world of D.C. lobbyists working on both sides of the gun debate.

New legislation requiring more stringent background checks for gun purchases is gaining traction in the Senate, and Sloane is approached to spearhead the campaign, pitting her against formidable and powerful political opponents. Deploying her notorious skills and driven by a desire to win at all costs - she jeopardizes those closest to her, and puts her own career at risk.

MISS SLOANE is a riveting political thriller that delves into the complexities of one of the most pressing and fiercely-fought issues in contemporary America.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Sebastian Blenkov, production designer Matthew Davies, editor Alexander Berner, and costume designer Georgina Yarhi.

Slated for release in 2017, MISS SLOANE is a presentation of EuropaCorp and FilmNation to be distributed globally by EuropaCorp.

Official Teaser Trailer and Poster for Barry Sonnenfeld's New Film "Nine Lives"

EuropaCorp recently released the first teaser trailer for Barry Sonnenfeld's (Men in Black, Get Shorty) upcoming film "Nine Lives". The upcoming film stars Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Garner, Malina Weissman, Cheryl Hines, Christopher Walken and Robbie Amell.

"Nine Lives" hits theaters on August 5th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ninelivesfilm

Plot Synopsis:

Tom Brand (Kevin Spacey) is a daredevil billionaire at the top of his game. His eponymous company FireBrand is nearing completion on its greatest achievement to date - the tallest skyscraper in the northern hemisphere. But Tom's workaholic lifestyle has disconnected him from his family, particularly his beautiful wife Lara (Jennifer Garner) and his adoring daughter Rebecca (Malina Weissman).

Rebecca's 11th birthday is here, and she wants the gift she wants every year, a cat. Tom hates cats, but he is without a gift and time is running out. His GPS directs him to a mystical pet store brimming with odd and exotic cats- where the store's eccentric owner- Felix Perkins (Christopher Walken), presents him with a majestic tomcat, named Mr. Fuzzypants.

En route to his daughter's party, Tom has a terrible accident. When he regains consciousness he discovers that somehow, he has become trapped inside the body of the cat. Adopted by his own family, he begins to experience what life is truly like for the family pet, and as a cat, Tom begins to see his family and his life through a new and unexpected perspective. Meanwhile, his family adjusts to life with an odd and stubborn cat, and his son David (Robbie Amell), steps up in ways Tom never expected.

If any hope exists of returning to his family as the husband and father they deserve, Tom will have to learn why he has been placed in this peculiar situation and the great lengths he must go to earn back his human existence.

"Nine Lives": Teaser Trailer

Luc Besson's Latest Film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" Starts Filming

EuropaCorp recently send us information that Luc Besson's latest film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" recently started filming. The film is based on the French sci-fi comic series "Valerian and Laureline". The film stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne,  Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock and Kris Wu.
 
"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" is slated to hits theaters on July 17th, 2017.

Press Release:

Principle photography has commenced on the Luc Besson written and directed film VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, slated for release July 21, 2017. Besson based his screenplay on the French science fiction comic series "Valerian and Laureline" created by artist Jean-Claude Mézières and writer Pierre Christin. Also starring in the film is Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock and Kris Wu.

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe.

Virginie Besson-Silla is producing the film on behalf of EuropaCorp, while Fundamental Films, BNP Paribas, Orange, Universum Film, Gulf Film, River Road Entertainment, Belga Films and TF1 Films Production are the main co-financiers of the movie. "VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS" begins production January 5, 2016 in Paris.

Second Official Trailer for the Upcoming Action Film "The Transporter: Refueled"

EuropaCorp recently send a second trailer for their upcoming release "The Transporter Refueled". It's the fourth Transporter film in the series. The upcoming film stars newcomer Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Loan Chabanol, Radivoje Bukvic, Gabriella Wright, Anatole Taubman and Tatiana Pajkovic.

"The Transporter Refueled" hits theaters on September 4th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thetransporterrefueled.com.

Plot Synopsis:

The producers of Lucy and the Taken trilogy bring you the next adrenaline-fueled installment of The Transporter series, THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED, starring newcomer Ed Skrein as Frank Martin, the most highly-skilled transporter money can buy. The stakes are greater and technology better, but the same three simple rules apply: never change the deal, no names and never open the package.

When Frank is hired by cunning femme fatale Anna and her three stunning sidekicks, he quickly discovers he's been played. Anna and her cohorts have kidnapped his father (Ray Stevenson) in order to coerce Frank into helping them take down a ruthless group of Russian human traffickers. Fueled by revenge, he will break all his rules and stop at nothing to rescue his father in this action-packed thrill ride across the French Riviera.

"The Transporter: Refueled": Official Trailer #2

Official Stills for the Upcoming Action Film "The Transporter: Refueled"

EuropaCorp recently send released some stills for their upcoming film "The Transporter Refueled". It's the fourth Transporter film in the series. The upcoming film stars newcomer Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Loan Chabanol, Radivoje Bukvic, Gabriella Wright, Anatole Taubman and Tatiana Pajkovic.

"The Transporter Refueled" hits theaters on September 4th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thetransporterrefueled.com.

Plot Synopsis:

The producers of Lucy and the Taken trilogy bring you the next adrenaline-fueled installment of The Transporter series, THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED, starring newcomer Ed Skrein as Frank Martin, the most highly-skilled transporter money can buy. The stakes are greater and technology better, but the same three simple rules apply: never change the deal, no names and never open the package.

When Frank is hired by cunning femme fatale Anna and her three stunning sidekicks, he quickly discovers he's been played. Anna and her cohorts have kidnapped his father (Ray Stevenson) in order to coerce Frank into helping them take down a ruthless group of Russian human traffickers. Fueled by revenge, he will break all his rules and stop at nothing to rescue his father in this action-packed thrill ride across the French Riviera.

New Official Trailer and Poster for Action Fueled "The Transporter Reloaded"

EuropaCorp recently send released the official poster and new trailer for their upcoming film "The Transporter Refueled". It's the fourth Transporter film in the series. The upcoming film stars newcomer Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Loan Chabanol, Radivoje Bukvic, Gabriella Wright, Anatole Taubman and Tatiana Pajkovic.

"The Transporter Refueled" hits theaters on September 4th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thetransporterrefueled.com.

Plot Synopsis:

The producers of Lucy and the Taken trilogy bring you the next adrenaline-fueled installment of The Transporter series, THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED, starring newcomer Ed Skrein as Frank Martin, the most highly-skilled transporter money can buy. The stakes are greater and technology better, but the same three simple rules apply: never change the deal, no names and never open the package.

When Frank is hired by cunning femme fatale Anna and her three stunning sidekicks, he quickly discovers he's been played. Anna and her cohorts have kidnapped his father (Ray Stevenson) in order to coerce Frank into helping them take down a ruthless group of Russian human traffickers. Fueled by revenge, he will break all his rules and stop at nothing to rescue his father in this action-packed thrill ride across the French Riviera.

"The Transporter Refueled": Official Trailer

Official Teaser Poster and Trailer for the Action Sequel "The Transporter Refueled"

EuropaCorp recently send released the official teaser poster and trailer for their upcoming film "The Transporter Refueled". It's the fourth Transporter film in the series. The upcoming film stars newcomer Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Loan Chabanol, Radivoje Bukvic, Gabriella Wright, Anatole Taubman and Tatiana Pajkovic.

"The Transporter Refueled" hits theaters this fall.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thetransporterrefueled.com.

Plot Synopsis:

The producers of Lucy and the Taken trilogy bring you the next adrenaline-fueled installment of The Transporter series, THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED, starring newcomer Ed Skrein as Frank Martin, the most highly-skilled transporter money can buy. The stakes are greater and technology better, but the same three simple rules apply: never change the deal, no names and never open the package.

When Frank is hired by cunning femme fatale Anna and her three stunning sidekicks, he quickly discovers he's been played. Anna and her cohorts have kidnapped his father (Ray Stevenson) in order to coerce Frank into helping them take down a ruthless group of Russian human traffickers. Fueled by revenge, he will break all his rules and stop at nothing to rescue his father in this action-packed thrill ride across the French Riviera.

"The Transporter Refueled": Official Trailer