Jupiter Ascending - The Review

Jupiter Ascending is an sci -fi, fantasy space opera written and directed by Lana and Andy Wachoswki. It stars Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones and Channing Tatum as Cain Wise. Jupiter Jones is an ordinary earthling who lives the life of a cleaning lady constantly complaining how much she detests her life. Cain Wise is a genetically engineered galactic soldier whose genes have been spliced with a wolf. When Cain is sent to earth to find Jupiter , her life is quickly changed around when she learns that she is the genetic incarnation of  the queen of an intergalactic empire whose siblings are in a power struggle for the inheritance of which earth is considered to be one of their most valuable assets. Of course word of her existence reaches the royal siblings and she is suddenly put in imminent danger.

     Channing and Kunis's onscreen  chemistry feels a bit lacking in the affection department where each could have easily been replaced by any other actress or actor which could help strengthen the relationship that develops as the story unfolds. Sean Bean who plays stinger, an old acquaintance of Cain , seems to invoke the presence of any of his previous roles of disgraced figure looking for some sort of redemption. The royal heirs Balem, Titus and Kalique Abrasax themselves come off as one dimensional spoiled brats that seem to be quarreling over who gets to have the cherished shiny jewel of the universe. It seems to be that even though Balem is the main villain of the film Titus could easily have been a far more engaging adversary. 

       The Film itself is, as one would expect from the Wachowski's, visually stimulating eye candy whose VFXs push the boundaries of what is capable when one has the financial backing of a Hollywood studio. Story wise though it is rather simple take of what happens when you mix a Disney princess film with Star Wars. There are moments of comedic elements that one can easily compare to The Hitchhiker's Guide of the Galaxy or the scene from the Harry Potter where they enter Gringotts. Clearly the Wachowskis have been on a quest to try and replicate the enormous success of the movie that put them on the map, The Matrix, yet for each endeavor they fail to live up to the expectations of the audience and cant seem to create that one pivotal groundbreaking film that would set the basis for all other films to come. Despite some shortcomings here and there , it is not a bad film and while the story itself is not depth defying it does serve it's purpose to at least entertain the viewers through it's incredible visuals and good use of action and stunt work.