Lucy is a dumb movie. Let’s get that out there right from the start. Do not go to this movie expecting anything resembling a plausible plot. It’s not enough just to suspend disbelief – you’ll also have to suspend your belief in the laws of physics, common sense and your desire for there to be any sort of internal consistency to a film. This is not a movie that will make the world a better place.
But I enjoyed it. Especially the first fifteen minutes or so.
The opening scenes build a real sense of menace and Scarlett Johansson gives a raw, emotional performance that was definitely the highlight of the movie for me. The Besson magic is in evidence and it starts to look like a film that is much more intelligent than the trailer would have you believe.
And then it all gets a bit silly. The plot bounces from set piece to ever more ridiculous set piece, mixing classic Besson car chases with effects laden computer graphics sequences until it gets to rather bizarre climax that’s hard to really comment on without spoiling anything.
It’s a wild ride and completely implausible, even perplexing in places. At one point I missed a plot twist and came up with my own explanation as to what I’d just seen happen. It turned out I was completely wrong but my explanation actually made a lot more sense than what really happened in the film.
But I enjoyed it. Especially the first fifteen minutes or so.
Just don’t go into the theatre expecting anything other than a really dumb movie.
