‘Lucy’ Tops Box Office: Critics Lukewarm About The Film
Lucy is the latest in a series of female-centric films to top North American box offices. Revenue overall in cinemas is hurting this year, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and despite Lucy‘s $44 million take this weekend, overall sales were down 12 percent from the same weekend last year. In addition to Lucy, the Dwayne Johnson flick Hercules also had a strong opening, bringing in $29 million.
THR notes the makers of Hercules had much more at stake, since it cost $100 million to produce, while Lucy cost only $40 million. The worldwide, long-term take of Hercules, however, is expected to surpass $200 million.
The female element of Lucy, following in some respects with this year’s Angelina Jolie-spearheaded Maleficent and the novel adaptation of The Fault In Our Stars, was not lost on ABC News reviewer David Blaustein. Blaustein had a bit of different take, however, commenting:
“Lead roles for women in action movies are scarce, so kudos to Besson and company for trying to create something unique for one of Hollywood’s best — but jeers to Besson and company as well for not allowing Lucy, a woman, to resolve this story without the help of men.”
Qualified praise seems the order of the day for reviews of the film, including on the pages of The Inquisitr. Journalists seem to praise the film’s entertainment value, its short length, and give it a pass for many shortcomings, including — ironically given the film’s smartest-person-ever premise — its intelligence. NPR reviewer Chris Klimek put it this way:
“It isn’t, how you say, smart, but — like last month’s terrific Edge of Tomorrow — it’s smarter than you expect. Which, adjusted for blockbuster inflation and high fructose corn syrup intake, feels like Very Smart Indeed, at least for the svelte 89 minutes of your life this film demands. At last, a would-be summer blockbuster that respects your time!”
Some critics, however, simply liked the film, full stop. Wall Street Journal writer Joe Morgenstern seemed to appreciate the film for what, presumably, it was intended to be: a fun ride. Referencing to the idea, expressed in the movie, that people only use 10 percent of their brain capacity, he wrote:
“It doesn’t always keep track of its own logic, at least not for this 10-percenter, but it’s gleefully bold, visually adventurous, often funny, strikingly concise—the whole heart-pounding tale is over in 90 minutes—and 100 percent entertaining.”
Morgenstern also praised the combination of star Scarlett Johansson and filmmaker Luc Besson, calling it “a collaboration made in pulp heaven.”
In addition to Johansson, Lucy stars Min-sik Choi and Morgan Freeman.
[Image: Universal Pictures]
