Jupiter Ascending

The Wachowskis are back, which hasn't really meant much since 2003's Matrix: Reloaded. After a string of disappointments (Matrix: Revolution, Speed Racer, Cloud Atlas), the highly anticipated and fantastically original Jupiter Ascending finally has arrived. Taking influence from Game of Thrones, The Fifth Element, and Star Wars, Jupiter has been involved in critical speculation, as its July 2014 release was pushed back to the cinematic wastelands of early February. Fortunately, the reality is that it's because of the meticulous detail that the Wachowskis put into post-production visual effects and not due to Warner Brothers lack of confidence.

The film starts in a familiar sci-fi way, with nobody Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) ruminating about her own origins and purpose. It's a tragic story that finds her living as an immigrant housekeeper in Chicago with an over-sized and nosy extended family crammed into close quarters. Not exactly squalor, but waking up before the rooster crows to clean toilets day in and day out gives us a quick character overview. Enter the visionary minds of the Wachowskis. Much like The Matrix, there is a veil lifted that exposes a much grander universe than what we know. An intergalactic royal family squabbles for control of the valuable resources on Earth, but the impediment is that Jupiter is identified as a Redundant; a perfect genetic match with the former queen of the galaxy, and rightful heir to the planet. Naturally, forces of good and evil collide to attempt to protect and destroy her, and lycantant Caine Wise (Channing Tatum) is sent to protect her. A genetically spliced human and wolf, he is also an albino and the runt of the litter, so he is an outcast from his warrior clan, enhancing his mystery and appeal. He dons incredible combat gear including hover-boots that defy gravity, allowing him to speed skate all around Chicago in what comprises some of the coolest sci-fi action sequences since Guardians of the Galaxy. We are introduced to a variety of alien creatures; both humanoid and dinosaur, and the futuristic technologies are dazzling on the screen. It's a visual buffet for your brain to feast on passively.

Impending Best Actor Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne plays the villain, Balem Abrasax with panache. An epic science fiction story needs a strong antagonist, and you can see the masterful acting at play through his emotions and soft, raspy voice. Tuppence Middleton and rising star Douglas Booth play Balem's siblings, Kalique and Titus, respectively, fighting for inter-planetary control. The incredible effects, costumes, characters, and absurd story ultimately make this quite an entertaining modern day fairy tale.

The magic of Jupiter Ascending is also its Achilles Heel. With such a creative and complex universe on display, there is just too much white noise surrounding the main characters. Imagine if the Lord of the Rings trilogy was condensed into a single two hour film. This is what Jupiter feels like. There are rich ideas and characters that just don't have enough time to develop, and the back stories deserve more attention than they are given. I'm not suggesting that this should be a trilogy, and I fully appreciate the various intricacies of the Abrasax dynasty, but by the time you understand the rules of the game, it's already over. This may have worked for The Matrix, but the ideas behind Jupiter Ascending are a bit too abstract. Through it all however, there is a simplicity to the story arc that is both familiar, yet satisfying.

Jupiter Ascending is ambitious to say the least, but there is too much going on for it to be great. Tatum again proves that he is a legitimate action star, and Mila Kunis has a natural wit and charm that carries this film out of the depths of disappointing. It is significantly better than I was expecting, but that isn't quite enough. This is a great escape for two hours, guaranteed to entertain. Keep an open mind, and just enjoy the ride. 6/10.