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Post by joekiddlouischama on May 17, 2017 8:53:04 GMT
So, I saw this thing in the theater on Sunday—I had never seen it before—and I did not exactly care for it. The movie struck me as a futuristic surrealist parody, except that I did not find it funny (although Chris Tucker's performance and another element here or there proved mildly amusing). The movie also seems to suggest a darkly romantic and existential element regarding humanity and its capacity for self-destruction or extermination of the "other," but while this mood or aspect is not jarring, it does not exactly mesh with the film's generally parodic nature.
But I know that The Fifth Element is very popular—the audience sizes and ticket sales for the re-release are proof of that—and I am wondering, from people more familiar with the movie, if it is one of those that either works for you or does not work for you, right off the bat, or if it is a film that one can come to appreciate with a second screening. Are there any major themes or ideas that I am missing? Or is it one of those cult exercises in humor that you either like or you do not like, sort of like Monty Python?
I am considering whether to view it again on Wednesday.
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Post by Rey Kahuka on May 17, 2017 11:59:41 GMT
It threw me a little the first time as well. It's interesting that you found the Tucker stuff amusing, because I think most of the film's detractors point to that character first. It's definitely more of an action comedy. It is a bit of a parody but it takes itself seriously enough when it wants to. Not an easy line to walk, which explains the mixed feedback it gets. That and some of the casting choices were always puzzling. Tiny Lister as the President of Earth?
Personally I enjoy it, particularly Gary Oldman's character. An offbeat action comedy for sure, but one I enjoy whenever I happen to catch it on cable.
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Post by sostie on May 17, 2017 12:26:04 GMT
Always been an entertaining, visually great sci-fi action movie. Saw it twice on the big screen when it came out (second time mainly because I started dating a French girl who loved Besson and insisted we see it). So good Lucas couldn't resist ripping part of it off for AOTC.
Never saw it as a parody. It's a sci-fi film with humour (reminds me a lot of Gilliam in places). Willis was great, Oldman interesting, to say the least and Jovovich created an instant icon in Leloo.
Tucker was by far the weakest part of the film.
What remake?
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Post by FilmFlaneur on May 17, 2017 15:05:41 GMT
Always been an entertaining, visually great sci-fi action movie. Saw it twice on the big screen when it came out (second time mainly because I started dating a French girl who loved Besson and insisted we see it). So good Lucas couldn't resist ripping part of it off for AOTC. Never saw it as a parody. It's a sci-fi film with humour (reminds me a lot of Gilliam in places). Willis was great, Oldman interesting, to say the least and Jovovich created an instant icon in Leloo. Tucker was by far the weakest part of the film. What remake? I agree entirely about Tucker who is very distracting, and not to the film's advantage either. And I too have read that Besson is re-visiting this film in the near future. Maybe Bruce Willis will end up in a decent film for once... |
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Post by TheOriginalPinky on May 17, 2017 16:33:04 GMT
It's one of those - get on the train and go for a ride - types. Fun, action, comedy, a bit of drama, Tucker cracked me up, I love Willis, and Oldman!!!!! And the lovely Mila Jovovich.
Don't look for some deep meaning - just enjoy it for what it is. FUN!
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Post by marth on May 17, 2017 17:20:34 GMT
It´s lots of fun. Gary Oldman is a great-funny villain (He´s the best of this movie IMO), Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich are also very good. The weak link is Chris Tucker, sometimes embarrassing to watch. I always enjoy rewatching this movie.  |
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Post by Jillian on May 17, 2017 17:39:33 GMT
Yes, good movie, but it is quite tragic that nowadays it is not that futuristic anymore, but the cast is quite spot on and Bruce Willis is at his finest in this movie  |
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Post by kingkoopa on May 17, 2017 18:53:34 GMT
I agree with Pinky. First time I saw this, I was kind of bewildered and wondering if I was missing the bigger point. As I caught it on TV once in a while over the next few years, I started to realize it was just a crazy, great ride. Bruce Willis is awesome in these types of movies, and he was here. Ian Holm's got some great scenes. Milla Jovovich is better here than anything I've seen her in.
There is some fantastically weird stuff that I liked too. I thought Chris Tucker was great after a few watches...he drived me crazy the first time though. Oldman is always great as a villain. By the time the opera scene rolls around, you are really diving into 'WTF-Land.'
It's so much fun though and seems like it knows exactly what it's trying to be. I thought it was great.
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2017 22:26:52 GMT
It's certainly not a BAD movie. I don't entirely love it, though. I'm almost in two minds about Tucker. I want to hate on him, but when a performance is that outlandish, how can you not like it just a tiny bit?
About a 6 or a 7 for me.
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Post by politicidal on May 17, 2017 22:51:39 GMT
I just lump it together with that trend of offbeat sci-fi films like Men in Black or Galaxy Quest.
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Post by moviemouth on May 17, 2017 23:06:04 GMT
This movie has always kind of irritated me but it is kind of fun too. I'm mixed on my reaction.
It features one of my least favorite Gary Oldman performances. He's just TOO silly in the movie.
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Post by rateater on May 17, 2017 23:11:56 GMT
when i saw the trailer for it at the 1996/97? superbowl i was so excited for die hard in space! bruce willis and sci fi fantasy were and are two of my favorite things. i enjoyed the movie and still watch it now and then.
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Post by joekiddlouischama on May 17, 2017 23:21:34 GMT
Always been an entertaining, visually great sci-fi action movie. Saw it twice on the big screen when it came out (second time mainly because I started dating a French girl who loved Besson and insisted we see it). So good Lucas couldn't resist ripping part of it off for AOTC. Never saw it as a parody. It's a sci-fi film with humour (reminds me a lot of Gilliam in places). Willis was great, Oldman interesting, to say the least and Jovovich created an instant icon in Leloo. Tucker was by far the weakest part of the film. What remake?... meant to say "re-release." I have edited my post. But as a previous poster indicated, apparently there is some sequel or "update" in the works ... |
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Post by conspirologist on May 17, 2017 23:22:15 GMT
The 5th Element is too intelligent for the average sheeple.
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Post by joekiddlouischama on May 17, 2017 23:30:51 GMT
I just lump it together with that trend of offbeat sci-fi films like Men in Black or Galaxy Quest. ... that makes sense. I just saw Men in Black for the first time, too, in the theater, and I did not care for it, either, although I liked Will Smith's famous song at the end. I never bothered with these movies when they came out; I was at home learning about Clint Eastwood and John Wayne films on TNT and TBS. I did see The Lost World: Jurassic Park in the theater around this time twenty years ago. |
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Post by poelzig on May 18, 2017 0:46:43 GMT
The 5th Element is too intelligent for the average sheeple. No intelligent person has ever thought that, much less claim the thought in an open forum. |
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Post by Marv on May 18, 2017 1:07:53 GMT
It's a fun comedic sci fi action flick.
I'm worried you're overthinking it.
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