HOLLYWOOD—There are those films which I call sleeper hits of the summer and nothing compares to the action-thriller “Lucy” starring Scarlett Johansson. This mind-bender examines one of the most interesting organs of the human body: the brain.
The thriller which is directed by Luc Besson, the guy behind the highly popular “Taken” movies starring Liam Neeson, knows how to pick the brains of moviegoers. The movie revolves around the title character, Lucy, who finds herself entangled in a bad drug trade overseas. Our heroine turns the tables on her captors, and develops what some would call superhuman capabilities thanks to a drug that leaks into her brain.
Our heroine goes from being naïve and frightened, to almost superhuman. Lucy has acquired skills to learn new languages in a short abundance of time, control pain ailments and even at times utilizes telekinesis: the ability to move objects with her mind. Yeah, that last skill I couldn’t fathom actually happening, but everything else, without a doubt.
As humans, we are all aware of the complexity of the human brain and what it can and cannot do. Take it from me, I took a course on the human brain as an undergraduate psychology student, and you’d be surprised as to how much the brain can account in relation to what we do and what we don’t do. Your brain has a direct correlation with many of the emotions we chose or chose not to display.
Intrigued by Lucy’s capabilities is none other than Professor Norman portrayed by the always fascinating Morgan Freeman. This guy just exudes authority in any movie he shows up in. His primary concern is what Lucy’s capabilities will be like when she utilizes 100 percent of her brain capacity. I won’t spoil that treat for audiences.
The movie does poke at the ideology that most humans only utilize 10 percent of their brain at any given time, which is actually a myth. No actual study can prove or not prove exactly the percentage of the brain that is used by humans in a given day or during certain tasks. What the movie “Lucy” attempts to do is provide audiences with an ideology that there are parts of the brain that control certain functions that could be used to complete tasks that we never expected.
Is the concept a bit far-fetched, at times yes, but that will not halt the spectator from being engaged in what is transpiring on the screen? It is beyond fascinating to see precisely what our hero is doing thanks to her newfound powers, not to mention some ‘secrets’ that may be uncovered because of her abilities. In essence, she becomes a threat to the national security of the country and makes many enemies along the way.
“Lucy” is hands-down the first movie of the summer that is a surprise from start to finish. While the story is not as sharp as it could be, the concept of the film alone is enthralling enough for a viewing or two.
