The Fifth Element

[BioMechanic]

So I watched this again last night.

Seems like every couple months, I get the urge to watch it. It's strange, because I don't think the film is outstanding in any particular area (besides being directed by Luc Besson), but it's very satisfying in an odd manner.

Probably my favorite thing about it is the visual style. Besson is one of my favorite directors, and he's in full command throughout. He makes the (perfectly) lackluster acting of Bruce Willis a great fit, Milla is still one of the most gorgeous women I've ever seen (if not the world's greatest actress), Ian Holm does a great job, and Gary Oldman does his half-serious, half-insane thing. Chris Tucker...well, it took me a few viewings to be able to swallow Ruby Rhod, but now he's a vital part of the whole picture. And Tiny Lister as the President? Cool. Damn, even Tricky has a bit part (and he gets blown to smithereens...heh). And the taxi-cab sequences are always amazing.

I know this film gets ragged on a lot, mostly for the admittedly hokey story, but it's a definite favorite of mine (but hey, I liked Hudson Hawk ) - for every silly Ruby Rhod "Bz! BZZZZZ!" moment there's something magnificent like the vocal performance of the Diva intermixed with Leeloo kicking some serious Mangalor ass to offset it.

I'll keep coming back to this one. Quirky and fantastic, with many a memorable moment.

[Despair]

Originally posted by BioMechanic
to be able to swallow Ruby Rhod

That sounded just wrong and funny

But I agree, I really enjoyed Fifth Element back in the day, and I still like to rewatch it once in a while. Sure, dont expect a ground breaking story(sadly many bash the film exactly for that), but just a fun ride with some outrages characters, some cool action scenes, Milla with Orange hair and Badabum !!!

Besson direction is very cool, and film has an unique look, something thaty separates its from the crop of usual US made sci-fi films.

Tiny "Zeus" Lister Jr as President of Earth Federation is excellent touch And I love the part when they stuck Brion James, His Assistant and Fat Woman with Princess Lea Bun Hair in the Freezer

Tucker was weird and funny, I liked him better here than in Rush Hour.

[BioMechanic]

Originally posted by Despair
That sounded just wrong and funny

Oh crap - that does read kinda shady doesn't it?

Another favorite quote of mine: "Korben Dallas Multipass."

[SearchManX]

I liked Fifth Element too, it never tries to win awards for acting or story (though I think it got one for costumes/design) and the overall world is very immersive. This movie and Minority Report have that great futuristic feeling to it (along with Demolition Man).

I haven't seen it in awhile, and I forgot that Chris Tucker was in it... I do remember Leeloo's very annoying voice and the weird blue alien opera singer scene... :/

[bbobb]

I saw this three times in the theater. Yeah, it's not really anything spectacular script or acting wise... but its just a fun movie. Luc Besson is a great director for sure.

[sleeve]

Bio, you are so cool! I love this movie to pieces.

I saw it three times in the theater and constantly feel the urge to watch it again. Like you say, the story is really hokey and the acting isn't stellar, but the movie is just a huge adrenaline rush from beginning to end. The chase sequence in New York City and the opera battle on the cruise ship are some of the standout moments.

Of course, the coolest thing about the movie (aside from the Gaultier costumes) is the Tricky cameo. How fucking cool is that?

Does anyone remember that Fifth Element driving game that came out for PS2 last year in Europe? If so, was it any good?

[BioMechanic]

Ah, another addict! You're absolutely right, sleeve, the costumes were fantastic...didn't Gaultier have a cameo in the film too?

Oooooooooooh, you're talking about New York Race, right? Alleged to have tracks going not only horizontal, but vertical as well! I remember it was slated for PC release, but yeah, I remember hearing something about a PS2 version. Unfortunately, since it didn't really make headlines, it probably wasn't that great. The concept was sure cool though.

It listed on gamefaqs as New York Racer, with a November 2001 release in Europe for PC. Gamespot has a couple impressions from ECTS in September 2001, but nothing else.

Oh well.

Another favorite moment is when Korben is attempted to be mugged at his home by that truly insane guy wearing the flat square hat: "GIMMEE....MONNEEEEYYYYYYY!" Korben: "That gun's not even loaded. Here..see that red button...push that to load it."

edit: I want a 2-disc collector's edition!! The version I have doesn't have jack...

[sleeve]

"GIMME DA CASH!"

I think they really did find that guy off a Paris street corner or something. That can't have been just acting.

Oh, and how about that Luke Perry cameo at the beginning? Don't you love how he gets top billing in the credits yet has only about 2 minutes of screen time?

[BioMechanic]

Originally posted by sleeveboy
Oh, and how about that Luke Perry cameo at the beginning? Don't you love how he gets top billing in the credits yet has only about 2 minutes of screen time?

BWA HA CLASSIC!

That CAAASSSSH guy was like Bobcat Goldthwaite's schizo cousin, or something....

See what I mean? FE's full of that kind of stuff (that deaf guy in the wig @ the opera...WTF?) - that does it, I'm gonna dig around for a new av, or something...

[arjue]

I too love this movie. Its awesome for some reason.

Anyone know what they got Milla to speak? It sounds far too lingual to be jibberish...