Jupiter Ascending (2015)
127 min · Sci-Fi, Action
The Wachowskis' $176 million original sci-fi spectacle was derided for incoherent plotting and memorably absurd performances, particularly Eddie Redmayne's villain.
The Bottom Reel's take
When *Jupiter Ascending* graced our screens in 2015, it arrived with the weight of expectation only a Wachowskis original sci-fi spectacle could carry. We imagined a future where sprawling worlds and philosophical quandaries intertwined, much like the legendary films that cemented their reputation. Instead, what we got was a glorious, bewildering odyssey about a humble Chicago janitor discovering her cosmic inheritance and becoming entangled in an intergalactic squabble over Earth. It was ambitious, yes, and it certainly swung for the fences, but the chasm between its grand vision and its ultimately incoherent plotting is precisely what makes it such a fascinating artifact of modern cinema.
Clocking in at 127 minutes, this Sci-Fi Action epic is a masterclass in maximalism. Everything is turned up to eleven: the baroque costume design, the elaborate world-building that often feels hastily explained, and, most famously, the performances. This is where the film truly earns its infamous status. We're talking about a movie that reportedly cost $176 million, and yet some of the most memorable moments come from the sheer, unadulterated absurdity of its characterizations. Eddie Redmayne's turn as the villain, in particular, has become legendary for its unique vocal delivery and dramatic flair, a performance that truly must be seen (and heard) to be believed. It’s the kind of over-the-top acting choice that suggests everyone involved committed wholeheartedly, even if the destination was a bit… off-kilter.
But here’s the thing about *Jupiter Ascending*: its badness isn't boring. It’s vibrant, energetic, and utterly committed to its own brand of chaotic fun. We’re not talking about a film that failed due to lack of effort; it's more like a beautifully designed spaceship that forgot to include a coherent navigation system. The visual feast alone provides plenty to gawp at, and the earnestness with which it attempts to tell its wild story is oddly endearing. It’s the kind of film where you’ll find yourself pausing, rewinding, or simply exclaiming "What was that?!" with genuine delight rather than exasperation. It’s a testament to how even the most muddled narrative can become a source of unforgettable entertainment when presented with such unbridled enthusiasm.
So, if you’re searching for a Friday night adventure that embraces its own ridiculousness, look no further than *Jupiter Ascending*. It’s a film that critics, with a 27/100 score, and even audiences, at 40/100, generally agreed was a bit of a mess, but for us, that mess is pure gold. Gather your friends, grab some snacks, and prepare for a journey through the cosmos that makes absolutely no sense, yet somehow makes perfect sense as a famously bad, unforgettably fun experience. You won't regret witnessing this glorious, beautiful car crash of a film.
Synopsis
A Chicago janitor discovers she is the reincarnation of space royalty and the target of three warring alien siblings who want to harvest Earth.