In terms of views and images, Jupiter Ascending is a spectacle with an impressive space footage, sometimes rousing action sequences and titillating extraterrestrial fantasies. But just as a book of Jack Vance, it really doesn’t make any sense in the beginning. The difference is that while reading that book of Vance, the intended message becomes clear to you. With Jupiter Ascending it’s still fairly muddled and incomprehensible in the end and you seem to sink into hotchpotch of futuristic ideas. An epic work that throws together different aspects from other SF classics such as Flash Gordon, Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica. The added Cinderella fairytale with someone living on earth whose DNA equals that of some space queen, makes it complete.
The Wachowskis not only experienced a physical (at least one of the two) transformation, but there’s also something missing when it comes to creativity because they seem to be unable to match the masterful and groundbreaking The Matrix. Visually Jupiter Ascending is a masterpiece, but the story is a messy and chaotic whole. The release of the movie was delayed because of certain deficiencies and they still needed to adjust the visual character of the film. That wasn’t a good omen in the first place. Especially the characters without depth, the ridiculous dialogues and a forced romantic story make this film pretty weak. I admit that the rescue operation at the beginning of the film in which Caine prevents Jupiter being abducted by alien “Keepers”, while flying around on his jet-like roller skates, was a breathtaking part that lasted for ages. The flashy chase between the buildings is intense, exciting and masterfully portrayed. But that wasn’t the last time he had to save her. The film seems like an endless rescue operation. And after a while those special skates aren’t that special anymore.
The weakest point of this movie are the characters. Mila Kunis is better than expected but unfortunately it feels as if she’s running around the whole movie screaming out loud, while showcasing her “looks”. Channing has a tough appearance, but soon gets bogged down in an uninspired parody of himself, struggling with his own feelings. The duo eventually ends up as a kind of “Danny and Sandy in space” couple. A faint love story about two people from two different space systems. The Abrasax family is also a mishmash that didn’t really convince. Tuppence Middleton plays no significant role at all. And Redmayne surprised me completely (after I’ve seen him shine in The Theory of Everything) as the wily and cruel Balem who sounded fairly menacing with that whispering voice. Until he starts shouting out of anger and frustrations in a fit. I spontaneously started to chuckle. The only two actors who were convincing were Sean Bean and Douglas Booth. And let’s not forget the Russian family sitting together at the dining table. These scenes achieved the highest grade of humorous content.
Do you want to be lead away through the infinite universe where you’ll experience one surprise after another and become completely bewildered by the brilliant computer graphics (and as I have been told the 3D version is unprecedented) ? Well, then you have to see this epic space story, full of strange creatures, aliens and exotic places. You also like some romantic posturing and a happy ending ? Than you shouldn’t miss it either. But are you also wishing for a fascinating story filled with interesting characters, then this will be a huge disappointment. A better alternative is Guardians of the Galaxy where the mix of all these ingredients doesn’t create a bitter aftertaste!
Director: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Cast: Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Sean Bean and Eddie Redmayne
DVD & on-demand release: 24 June 2015
Rated: M
Peter Pluymers
For more of Peter Pluymers’ movie reviews, check out My Opinion as a Movie-Freak
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television