"Lucy" Is Not The Missing Link Of Action Films

Lucy (2014)

Rated R

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Amr Waked, Min-sik Choi,

Written and Directed by Luc Besson

The Story:

Lucy (Johansson) winds up as a drug mule for Mr. Jang (Choi). When the drugs burst into her system, her brain starts utilizing more of its potential. This leads Lucy to try and contact Professor Norman (Freeman) the man who has hypothesized what potential that could be for humanity. Lucy heads to Paris to meet, and with the help of the police captain (Waked) she is going to ensure Jang never runs drugs again.

So here you go, a superhero movie disguised as a thriller.

Strangely, I was not hooked into the narrative like I normally am with Luc Besson films.

The film seemingly meanders around trying to explain how Lucy is becoming self aware of her newfound powers, and then it would punctuate with an action sequence.

Of course, this becomes similar to watching a movie with Superman in it. When you have a force that cannot be stopped, where is the danger and conflict for the audience to connect with?

Once Lucy becomes aware and adept at her powers, of course she's going to survive the gauntlet she's about to run.

Without the tension of "will she make it?" I started to let my mind wander by that point, and just waited for the movie to end.

Never a good sign.

Final Grade: C

Good Grief! "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"

It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

TV-G

Starring Charlie Brown, Linus, Sally, Lucy, Snoopy

Directed by Bill Melendez

The Story:

It's Halloween time again! Sally is torn between going out for tricks or treats with everyone else, or sitting in the most sincere pumpkin patch around with Linus, awaiting the arrival of The Great Pumpkin. Meanwhile, Snoopy relives the drama of World War I fighting The Red Baron.

Yeah, it has nothing to do with Halloween, but what can you do?

So, this classic is nearing 50 years airing every year at this time.

I'm pretty sure that nobody hasn't seen this at least once in their lifetime.

It's the first true sign that fall is upon us, and we begin that crazy calendar countdown to the even better Charlie Brown Christmas special.

:) 

Every year, I want to go as Charlie Brown and cut up a white sheet with about 80 eye holes in it.

Plus, I wonder about all the evil parents that actually have rocks in the candy bowl to hand to children.

Tough crowd!

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I actually need to buy a new copy as the one I have has several scratches that cause too much skipping/freezing.  Pesky kids. ;)