How Did This Get Made? Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets w/ Jessica St. Clair & Doug Benson (HDTGM Matinee)
Nov 25, 2025
Join comedian Jessica St. Clair, known for her sharp wit, and Doug Benson, host of Doug Loves Movies, as they dive into the visually stunning yet perplexing world of *Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets*. They hilariously critique the leads' chemistry and the film's fragmented narrative while celebrating Rihanna's standout performance as Bubble. Along the way, they explore the film's unique visuals, character choices, and audience reactions, all with a comedic flair that keeps the discussion lively and entertaining.
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Spectacle Trumps Storytelling
- Valerian favors spectacle over coherent storytelling, delivering striking visuals but weak character and plot development.
- The film resets into vignette-like segments that rarely accumulate into satisfying stakes.
A Completist's Viewing Habit
- Doug Benson says he saw Valerian close to opening weekend because he's a Luc Besson completist.
- He commits to seeing Besson's work despite flaws, describing himself as a 'Bessonophile.'
Dialogue Undercuts Character Chemistry
- The movie's dialogue aims for rapid-fire repartee but lands as slowed, hollow banter that undermines chemistry.
- Performances feel secondary to effects, leaving actors underused despite visual flair.
