It's Elementary
Fifth Element Dazzles But Doesn't Deliver

When I first saw the preview poster for The Fifth Element, my friends and I wondered what it was all about. The cryptic message "It Mu5t Be Found" caught our attention, especially the way the number 5 replaced the "S." Even a week before the movie was released information regarding The Fifth Element was sketchy at best. Now I think I know why.

Writer/Director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita) played his cards very close to his vest. Rumor has it he would not even let studio execs read the script, but supplied them with a 12 page synopsis which they were not allowed to take out of his office. Why be so secretive on a special effects film with a $91 million dollar budget? I think Besson realized that the story was threadbare at best, and could not stand up on its own.

Element begins in Egypt in 1941, where we see messengers from the stars foretell of a coming evil from which they are the universe's sworn protectors. They gather four stones and promise to return with the fifth element in 300 years. The story then jumps to New York City, 300 years hence, where we are introduced to Korben Dallas (played by Bruce Willis), a former commando turned taxi driver. Through a convenient plot twist, a perfect genetically manufactured woman named Leeloo drops into his cab. Can anyone see where this is going? I think you can.

The special effects are outstanding, and I don't think anyone will disagree that they offer an exciting experience. The audience is literally thrown into the chaos of the 23rd century, and find it is a world of strange aliens, incredible technology, and hectic paced life. Still, there is enough to see that is familiar, which makes us laugh (intentionally) at how little the world has really changed.

The cast of this movie includes some heavy hitters, including Willis, Gary Oldman, and model/singer/actress Milla Javovich. Nevertheless, the characters in this film are more compelling than the actors portraying them. Chris Tucker gives one of the finest performances in the film as Ruby Rhod, a radio personality as flamboyant as Liberace and bigger than Howard Stern (even the President listens to his show).

All in all, I have to give this movie a hearty recommendation to all science fiction fans. The story, although predictable, is still fun. If you are not a fan of the genre, however, you may find yourself becoming bored with the light show.

MY RATING: 6 out of 10.

RATED: PG-13
RUN TIME: 127 min.