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🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

Luc Besson's ‘June and John’ Bogged Down by Clichés - Review

From Jerusalem Post · (38m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Luc Besson's new film 'June and John' is criticized for its reliance on clichés and a derivative premise, despite the director's signature visual style.
  • The movie follows a withdrawn young man who becomes infatuated with a mysterious, gun-wielding woman who pulls him into a life of running from the law.
  • Reviewer Hannah Brown finds the female protagonist's wigs more compelling than the script, ultimately deeming the film a disappointment compared to Besson's earlier work.

Luc Besson, a director known for his visually striking and stylish thrillers like 'The Fifth Element' and 'Léon: The Professional,' appears to have stumbled with his latest offering, 'June and John.' While the film boasts Besson's characteristic stunning visuals and whimsical aesthetic, it is ultimately bogged down by a lazy, derivative premise and a script riddled with cartoonish clichés. This marks a disappointing turn after his somewhat successful comeback with last year's 'DogMan.'

Luc Besson’s latest movie, June and John, features the stunning visuals and whimsical style for which the director is known, yet it bogs down under a lazy, derivative premise and a cartoonish, clichéd script.

— Hannah BrownThe Jerusalem Post reviewer's overall assessment of the film 'June and John.'

The film attempts to revive the trope of the "kooky" eccentric female protagonist who inspires a repressed man to embrace life. John, a comically withdrawn bank employee numbed by tranquilizers, finds his life upended when he meets June, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who bursts into his life, literally pulling a gun on his coworkers and urging him to live with gusto. What follows is a predictable chase, with the couple on the run, hiding in opulent estates, and June frequently changing wigs – a visual element the reviewer found more engaging than the plot itself.

The new film is a throwback to the days when eccentric female protagonists were called “kooky.”

— Hannah BrownThe reviewer's description of the film's central character trope.

While the underlying theme of seizing the day and embracing life's possibilities is relatable, 'June and John' fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The characters lack depth, and the plot unfolds with a predictability that undermines any potential for genuine emotional resonance. June's secret, meant to add pathos, feels like a tired plot device rather than a meaningful revelation. The film's reliance on worn-out clichés makes it a forgettable experience, a far cry from the innovative storytelling Besson once championed.

No one can be against living your life to the fullest and having as much fun as possible, so on one level, it’s easy to identify with John and his attraction to this mysterious, alluring woman.

— Hannah BrownThe reviewer's acknowledgement of the film's relatable theme.

From our vantage point, this review highlights a common pitfall in filmmaking: prioritizing style over substance. While Besson's visual flair is undeniable, it cannot salvage a weak script. The film's failure to offer fresh perspectives or engaging character development leaves audiences wanting more. It's a missed opportunity for Besson to truly return to form, instead offering a film that feels like a pale imitation of better movies within the same genre.

But unfortunately, June’s wigs are much more interesting than the script.

— Hannah BrownThe reviewer's critical comparison of the film's visual elements to its narrative.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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