Review: ‘Lucy’ features gun battles, car chases and existential questions

Posted on August 1, 2014

When I heard about “Lucy,” director Luc Besson’s newest film bringing him back to the sci-fi realm, I was definitely intrigued and excited. Add in actress Scarlett Johansson as a woman who is given the ability to tap the full resources of the human mind, and I was sold from the first trailer.

Having seen “Lucy,” I can say it was not the film I was expecting. This is one strange movie. Sure there’s a generous helping of gunfights and car chases, but from its opening moments, “Lucy” is unlike anything Besson has done before. I don’t mean the story, which is pretty straightforward, but the presentation, with seemingly random asides to documentary footage and lengthy discussions of the measure of existence. Ultimately I enjoyed “Lucy,” but is a film that is going to be a “love it, hate it” sort of endeavor for many filmgoers, with a hefty share falling on both sides.

“Lucy” is by no means perfect. But even if it is not an entirely enjoyable movie, it is an intriguing one.

The film is rated R for strong violence, disturbing images and sexuality.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition paper.)

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