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From Amazon.co.uk
As an overdose of eye candy, Ultraviolet can be marginally recommended as the second half of a double-feature with Aeon Flux. Both films are disposable adolescent fantasies featuring a butt-kicking babe (in this case, the svelte and sexy Milla Jovovich) in a dystopian future, and both specialize in the kind of barely-coherent, video-game storytelling that's constantly overwhelmed by an over-abundance of low-budget CGI. Director Kurt Wimmer fared much better with his earlier film Equilibrium, but he's trying for a lively comic book vibe here (beginning with Hulk-like opening credits) with a digitally enhanced, Tron-like color palette. It largely suits this late-21st century story of a "blood war" between the ultra-violent Violet (Jovovich), member of a vampire-like group of resistance fighters infected with a man-made virus called the Hemophage, and the human Vice Cardinal Daxus (Nick Chinlund), who's determined to eliminate Violet's kind once and for all. Wimmer takes all of this way too seriously, crafting a plot involving Violet's rescue of a human clone boy (Cameron Bright) that's intended as an homage to John Cassevetes' 1980 drama Gloria, but Wimmer's good intentions are mostly lost in a repetitive series of chaotically choreographed fight scenes, mostly involving the tight-bodied Jovovich wiping out dozens of armour-clad enemies. It's all too numbingly hectic to qualify as a satisfying movie, but sci-fi buffs should give it a look anyway, if only to see how locations in Shanghai and Hong Kong contribute to the film's futuristic design.--Jeff Shannon
Synopsis
In the mid-21st century, a virus has turned part of the earth's population into hemophages, vampire-like creatures with heightened speed and dexterity, and a fascist government is intent on stamping them out. Enter Violet (Milla Jovovich), a hemophage determined to fight for her people. Her battle takes an unexpected turn, however, when she finds herself protecting Six (Cameron Bright), a mysterious young child who was raised in a lab. Although the artwork in the opening credits would lead you to believe otherwise, writer/director Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) reportedly based Ultraviolet not on a comic book but on John Cassavetes's 1980 film Gloria, in which a woman must protect a young boy who is carrying some information sought by the Mafia. Tailor-made for young action fans raised on anime and videogames, who want nothing more than to see a beautiful heroine leave a path of destruction behind her, Ultraviolet cross-pollinates plot threads from popular franchises like The Matrix and Underworld. Creating a brightly hued, soft-focus environment constructed entirely with CGI and a green screen, Ultraviolet's look is much like Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Cementing the reputation she established with similar athletic, minimally clothed roles in The Fifth Element and the Resident Evil films, Jovovich will go down in the books as a sci-fi femme fatale for the ages. Her Ultraviolet--who inexplicably changes her hair colour and outfits seemingly at will--is a lethal melding of Morticia Adams at a rave and Kill Bill's Bride. Pulling off moves that clearly demonstrate the training she underwent for the role, and usually with a bare midriff, she gives her fans plenty to enjoy. Wimmer wisely leaves the door open for further adventures in the saga.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. M. Booth
Format:DVD
To be honest, just watch it. It's eye candy, it's escapist, it's science fiction.
Don't try to read too much into the plot, the visuals, the characters. Just slam it into the player, sit back, and ENJOY IT!
Unless someone is paying you real money to write reviews that purport to plumb the depths of what the director meant, what the actors were trying to express, what comment about modern society was intended, then don't try to analyse it. It was made to earn money by entertaining people, full stop.
Alternatively, don't buy it, don't watch it, but above all spare us your angst.
Personally, I liked it. Action, sci fi, nice sets, undemanding storyline. Go for it.
Don't try to read too much into the plot, the visuals, the characters. Just slam it into the player, sit back, and ENJOY IT!
Unless someone is paying you real money to write reviews that purport to plumb the depths of what the director meant, what the actors were trying to express, what comment about modern society was intended, then don't try to analyse it. It was made to earn money by entertaining people, full stop.
Alternatively, don't buy it, don't watch it, but above all spare us your angst.
Personally, I liked it. Action, sci fi, nice sets, undemanding storyline. Go for it.
26 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By J. Tory
Format:Blu-ray
I feel this film has been unfairly hammered in reviews. Yes the story isn't going to win any Oscars, so if thats what your looking for then give this film a miss; you'll save yourself some grief, and spare this film more bad reviews.
However if you love watching a barely clad Milla taking down bad guys a dozen at a time, while still having time to make sure her outfit matches her mood, then this movie is for you. As an added bonus their are loads of cool gizmos in this movie which should appeal to any sci-fi nerds out there, like me.
My only real criticism is that quite a few of the CG scenes (especially the city shots) where clearly done on a low budget, and the blu-ray version really highlights the poor quality of some of the renderings. If you have bothered to actually read this review all the way to the end, then i'll be honest and say its not worth 5 stars but i think the movie needs some affirmative action in its ratings, and providing you like this genre you'll get a kick out of it.
However if you love watching a barely clad Milla taking down bad guys a dozen at a time, while still having time to make sure her outfit matches her mood, then this movie is for you. As an added bonus their are loads of cool gizmos in this movie which should appeal to any sci-fi nerds out there, like me.
My only real criticism is that quite a few of the CG scenes (especially the city shots) where clearly done on a low budget, and the blu-ray version really highlights the poor quality of some of the renderings. If you have bothered to actually read this review all the way to the end, then i'll be honest and say its not worth 5 stars but i think the movie needs some affirmative action in its ratings, and providing you like this genre you'll get a kick out of it.
26 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By D. I. Shipley
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
The subject of very bad reviews, I was not particularly keen to see this film. Having actually seen the film, I agree that there are too many fight sequences, to the point that you could be in a PS2 game. These sequences are at times too drawn out and some become predictable and tedious....
Also the plot could have been better developed too.
So what is good about the film?
Set in the future, the world is in the midst of a war between humans and people infected with a vampire like virus which gives them superhuman skills.
Milla Jovovich is actually quite good in the ambiguous lead role. She has fled the laboratory that infected her with the Hemomphage virus which resulted in the death of her unborn child. Now embittered and angry with Humanity, she has become a lethal assassin for the Hemophage movement.
However, her stance is turned upside down when she encounters a laboratory bred, nine year old boy. Well played by Cameron Bright, he is a vessel for a virus that could threaten Hemophages or Humanity. Both sides want to get hold of him. In scenes reminiscent of John Cassavates 'Gloria', this boy's plight cuts through Ultraviolet's cynical exterior and awakens her maternal instincts, and she goes on the run with him, trying to protect him from her fellow Hemophages and the security forces of Humanity's dictator.
She and Bright develop a convincing and sympathetic relationship while on the run, and just like Gloria, this enhances and underscores the moments of danger and peril
The sets are superb and give the film real atmosphere at times, I believe that Shanghai was largely used as the location.
See the film for what it is - undemanding but entertaining Sci Fi.
Also the plot could have been better developed too.
So what is good about the film?
Set in the future, the world is in the midst of a war between humans and people infected with a vampire like virus which gives them superhuman skills.
Milla Jovovich is actually quite good in the ambiguous lead role. She has fled the laboratory that infected her with the Hemomphage virus which resulted in the death of her unborn child. Now embittered and angry with Humanity, she has become a lethal assassin for the Hemophage movement.
However, her stance is turned upside down when she encounters a laboratory bred, nine year old boy. Well played by Cameron Bright, he is a vessel for a virus that could threaten Hemophages or Humanity. Both sides want to get hold of him. In scenes reminiscent of John Cassavates 'Gloria', this boy's plight cuts through Ultraviolet's cynical exterior and awakens her maternal instincts, and she goes on the run with him, trying to protect him from her fellow Hemophages and the security forces of Humanity's dictator.
She and Bright develop a convincing and sympathetic relationship while on the run, and just like Gloria, this enhances and underscores the moments of danger and peril
The sets are superb and give the film real atmosphere at times, I believe that Shanghai was largely used as the location.
See the film for what it is - undemanding but entertaining Sci Fi.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Typical over the top Sci-Fi flick
if you love all things sci-fi then you will like this movie, the story is quite original, the acting is what you would expect from Milla, but to be honest it isn't that bad (i've... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Steven Mason
4.0 out of 5 stars
Straightforward enjoyable adventure
No great plot development, no wonderful soliloqueys, just enjoyable adventure.
Not going to win any awards but it's a thoroughly enjoyable action evening.
Not going to win any awards but it's a thoroughly enjoyable action evening.
Published 2 months ago by Frank Bell
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Ferrari With A Chocolate Engine!
ULTRAVIOLET is a stylish,highly visual, action-packed and fast moving blokes movie.
Unfortunately it has a hackneyed plot [read the other 70+ reviews here for detailed... Read more
Unfortunately it has a hackneyed plot [read the other 70+ reviews here for detailed... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Quetzalcoatl78
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mila Jovovitch does Aeon Flux
UltraViolet is a entertaining Aeon Flux inspired experience for those who like hot chicks in stylish tight-fitting clothes, martial arts & cool futuristic locations. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Geo
4.0 out of 5 stars
I love this "bad" movie !
Don't expect Citizen Kane- you won't get it here. You shouldn't be bored, either. This is nothing more or less than great candy floss entertainment. Read more
Published 14 months ago by fat man on a bicycle
1.0 out of 5 stars
Ultrarubbish
An aging Mila J. has been so "paletted" by the CGI that she is hardly recognisable.
The story is a mishmash of other movies,and the dialogue so poor that I think she says... Read more
The story is a mishmash of other movies,and the dialogue so poor that I think she says... Read more
Published 18 months ago by C.Elder
3.0 out of 5 stars
A powerful female heroine - but unconvincing ultimately because of her...
A science fiction (sf) film of a dystopia, the scenes and production values are high-quality and help to distinguish this film from the humdrum of banal sf movies. Read more
Published on 15 May 2011 by bobbygw
5.0 out of 5 stars
very enjoyable
A film that isn't afraid to do whatever the hell it likes. It's an sci fi action movie and is a hell of a lot better than the resident evil movies
Published on 22 Jan 2011 by EROTICUS
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Sci Fi Movie (Fun)
I'll get to this quick and simple. First see the film about three years ago. Thought it was ok. Have watched it multiple times since and love it for what it is, a cool sci fi movie... Read more
Published on 25 Feb 2010 by Beer monster matty
4.0 out of 5 stars
babes in lycra
i'm a great fan of milla. always delivers the same sexy stlye.
visually a brilliant film.
visually a brilliant film.
Published on 14 Jan 2010 by deano
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