Film Review: Jupiter Ascending (PG-13)

Jupiter Ascending (PG-13) Even 3-D glasses cannot save this one-dimensional space fairy tale from being consumed by the dark abyss of outer space. Co-directors Lana and Andy Wachowski (“The Matrix”), known for their stunning visuals, did not disappoint with their creation of a spectacular virtual universe, but they left us in the dark when it came to the confusing tale of universal domination and genetic reincarnation.

Billed as science fiction, the story is more like a fairy tale, a Cinderella re-do, set in space. Jupiter (Mila Kunis) is a lowly Russian house cleaner who is scrubbing her way through Chicago’s upscale homes. With nothing but a humdrum life of drudge ahead of her, she dreams of excitement. When she is swept into a cosmic struggle for universal power, things take a sudden turn. This may be a spoiler, but it seems she is a perfect genetic match for the most powerful person in the universe, the former head of the ruling Abraxis clan, and that’s not necessarily a good thing. Like any other fairy tale, there are evil doers and a Prince Charming. This time, the prince and savior is the genetically mutated warrior, Caine (Channing Tatum).

The characters and plot are rather weak, but the effects and the action scenes are anything but flimsy. Expect seemingly never-ending sequences of space chases, all kinds of assorted aliens, well-choreographed fight scenes and a spectacular interpretation of an expansive universe.

Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) has an interesting “bad-guy” role and adds some creepiness to his quest for universal power. Too bad the basic premise is as shaky as the crumbling, exploding universe at the end of the film.

In the first phase of the movie, on Earth, the story is clear and understandable, but when we enter the outer-space phase, confusion reigns. As the he movie goes on and it is up to the viewer to try to get a hold on the rambling story. The threads to sort are many, royalty, family feuds, genetics, rival space corporations, harvesting the inhabitants of conquered civilizations and plenty of secondary sub-plots to further confuse.

Anyone with a passion for extreme special effects, lengthy CGI battle/ chase scenes and outer- space inspired fairy tales might like this “lost in space” adventure tale. As for me, I would take “Guardians of the Galaxy” over this extravaganza any day of the week.

2/4 Stars