Lucy (2014)

2/5

Luc Besson's Lucy is a sci-fi action movie built on an entirely fictitious and impossible premise. Lucy (Johansson) is a young woman studying in Taiwan who gets tricked into being a drug mule. When the drugs accidentally get released into her bloodstream, she develops the ability to use more than "10% of her brain." Using "more" of her brain apparently gives her superpowers that somehow transcend the laws of physics.

The premise is insane--no one can argue that. But improbable scenarios do not necessarily make for bad movies (see The Lucky Ones, for example). In this one, though, it kinda does. To be fair, the movie has some phenomenal computer-generated special effects and some scenes were just flat-out cool. But that's about all it has going for it. And that doesn't make up for bland acting, stilted pacing, or atrocious writing. The whole affair is pretty tepid for such an outrageous idea. It manages to satisfy just long enough so you don't ask for your money back but not long enough for you to remember anything about it after you finish. If I somehow had the ability to go back in time, I would pass on it.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2872732/

Salmon Fishing In The Yemen (2011)

3/5

Salmon Fishing In The Yemen is a terrifically predictable romance about an unlikely couple (McGregor, Blunt) forced together by circumstance (Waked, Scott Thomas) and then torn apart by equally implausible circumstance (Mison). It is filled with inspiring music that swells up during talk about fishing and ominous overtones that creep up during moments of danger. It is not the most sophisticated film as far as subtlety is concerned, but its traditional storytelling structure is better than some indie romances I've seen in the past. The chemistry between the two leads is unexpectedly good, and that more than makes up for the mediocre rest. As for the plot, everything ties up a little too neatly and happily at the end to be believable. But it's a mindless movie with sufficient heart and humor to appeal to the masses. It's a movie that doesn't ask you to think too hard about it once the credits roll and you shuffle out of the theater. It is harmless Sunday morning fare and it serves its purpose well.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441952/