The Fifth Element Reviews
A hodgepodge of elements that don't comfortably coalesce.
Besson's futuristic fable is flawed by a messy narrative which strains to incorporate far too many grotesque and eccentric characters.
The Fifth Element has to be the most creative visualization since Tim Burton's first Batman in 1989. On top of that, it's a whole lot of fun.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3/4
Globe and Mail
Top Critic| Original Score: 2.5/4
There's no doubt about it, when it comes to saving the world, Bruce Willis is your man. He does it with smarts and style, humor and courage.
Mr. Besson directs with ceaseless flamboyance and with an obvious enthusiasm for his film's comic book conceits. But the tone of The Fifth Element is often terribly shrill, especially when attention shifts to grating minor characters.
One of the great goofy movies -- a film so preposterous I wasn't surprised to discover it was written by a teenage boy.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3/4
An overblown cosmic comic book.
| Original Score: 2/4
As you sit through the interminable two-hours-plus that constitute The Fifth Element -- a colossally stupid, overbearingly pompous new movie by Luc Besson -- you can expect to become acquainted with boredom on the most elemental level.
A lot of money was spent on this film, but $100 million doesn't guarantee a good product. Maybe someone should have thought of spending a few more dollars on a better script.
Full Review
| Original Score: 2/4
