Reel Reviews: ‘Ultraviolet’ captures glitzy glamour of comic book films
When the opening titles for this film explode onto the screen, no time is wasted to dazzle every audience member. As we glide over pages and pages of vibrant comic book illustrations within the first sixty seconds, you know “Ultraviolet” will clearly be a super hero comic book film in the simplest sense. And “Ultraviolet” certainly is.
Directed by Kurt Wimmer (“Equilibrium”), whose directing and screenwriting experience is solely inside the action genre, “Ultraviolet” manages to provide a shiny and creative look at the future. The ever-so-limber Ukrainian, Milla Jovovich (“The Fifth Element”) plays the title role of Violet, a rouge warrior set out to fight against the world’s tyrannical government while the government tries to contain the power of their medical and scientific experimentations. The film is called “Ultraviolet” to pay homage to her uncanny gun-wielding, enhanced intelligence, and ability to drive motorcycles down the sides of skyscrapers. Violet has these abilities due to genetic modifications unethically administered to her by the government.
When the advertisements for this film say “action-packed”, they really mean it. All of the combat scenes demonstrate exquisite choreography and timing. Indeed, some of the fights appear to be perfectly rhythmic and almost dance-like. This contributes to the film’s strong portrayal of energy, technology, and intrigue. But the phrase, “Too much of a good thing,” is often ignored during the makings of an action film and “Ultraviolet” is no exception. The action continues at such an unbridled, non-stop pace that it quickly becomes worn-out. When we see our heroine defeat crowds of bad guys over and over, we don’t necessarily get enveloped in a sense of danger or intensity. And since everyone is so busy throwing punches and swinging swords, the acting is less than outstanding.
Jovovich is impressive with her slender body and substantial stunt work. But she doesn’t seem to spend as much time on her acting as she does on her back handsprings. Perhaps if she did, this film would have been more memorable. The supporting cast consists of Cameron Bright (“Godsend”), embodying yet another mature, creepy role, as an infected laboratory test subject and William Fichtner (“The Perfect Storm”) playing Violet’s only confidant in her time of isolation.
While the story has some fun twists and turns and generally manages to keep you on your toes, the special effects definitely do their job. Certain scenes have an interesting smoothness or haziness to them which adds to the sleek, futuristic look. The execution of various lighting schemes, including pitch black, keeps the film fun and gives it a broad, stimulating visual range. Cinematography is striking and unique at times and the production design remains absolutely mesmerizing. So many of the set designs are intricate yet simple at the same time, creating stunning combinations of angles, sharpness, and color.
Although it’s true that there’s nothing amazingly new about “Ultraviolet”, it manages to entertain and will be an amusing ride for any action fan, despite the lack of balance made evident through the continuous violence.
Casey T. Allen is a critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to caseyal@cc.usu.edu.