"Lucy" (2014) centers on an ordinary woman named Lucy, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, who begins to unlock the full potential of her mind, leading to remarkable abilities—though it’s unclear if they are truly superhuman or simply a demonstration of untapped human capacity. She collaborates with a renowned expert in mental processes (Morgan Freeman) and a Paris police officer (Amr Waked) while confronting the schemes of a powerful Asian crime boss (Min-sik Choi). It's important to note that this isn’t your typical comic book superhero film—we have enough of those already. Instead, it explores the concept of an individual reaching their full human potential, a theme previously examined in films like "Powder" (1995) and "Phenomenon" (1996). While both earlier movies were worthwhile, “Phenomenon” felt overly cautious, particularly towards its conclusion, whereas “Powder” aimed higher, even if it didn’t quite achieve perfection. Francis Ford Coppola also ventured into this territory with 2007's "Youth Without Youth," a complex film brimming with intriguing elements—though it lacked a compelling narrative. In my view, "Lucy" surpasses them all and ranks among my favorite movies ever. It incorporates the thought-provoking aspects of Coppola’s film while still delivering entertainment. The movie blends inspiring concepts with action sequences, visual appeal, an impressive musical score, and a stylish aesthetic; it simply has energy. Some critics find fault with the premise—that we only use 10% of our brainpower—but I see it as a device to highlight how many people operate far below their capabilities, consumed by trivial pursuits and wasting time. Think about those who spend countless hours watching sports; occasional games are enjoyable, but some have lost all sense of balance. Or consider individuals who rely on alcohol or drugs for enjoyment; they’re essentially avoiding reality. The criticism regarding the 10% brain usage is ironic because the actual figure is closer to 1-2%. Just kidding (or am I?). Regarding Lucy's abilities and those seen in the other films mentioned, I've experienced similar phenomena myself. For example, about seven years ago, while dreaming, I was awakened by my wife when a smoke alarm started blaring—without any smoke, fire, or heat present. The energy from my dream seemed to trigger it, as the alarm stopped immediately upon waking. It happened again the following week. What else could explain this except for the power of the mind? Another instance occurred when I was eight years old; while walking with my family in Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, I inexplicably knew that the batter in a nearby baseball game would hit the ball directly at my face. I didn’t know how I knew it, but I did. Sure enough, the ball soared through the air and struck me on the cheek (thankfully, it was a softball). How could I have known? It's remarkable and demonstrates the mind’s ability to provide warnings—what some call intuition. A more commonplace occurrence involves my wife and me: we often find ourselves thinking the same thing simultaneously and voicing it aloud. Are we somehow picking up on each other's thoughts – telepathy? Imagine what could be achieved if we developed this further. The film also touches upon other unusual abilities, like psychokinesis, heightened empathy, and what’s described as "the word of knowledge" in the Bible; while exaggerated onscreen, they are real. “Lucy” serves as an encouragement to grow up. As Lucy evolves, she encounters her roommate—a stereotypical party girl who prioritizes socializing and pursuing romantic interests. While there's nothing inherently wrong with those things, it’s concerning when they become a person's sole purpose in life. Whatever happened to moderation? Initially, Lucy was like her roommate, but something shifted, and she matured. My appreciation for the film’s philosophical and theological ideas doesn’t mean I agree with every aspect; it is, after all, a science fiction thriller, but one that offers more compelling concepts than most. And who agrees with everything everyone says? Is that even healthy? I absolutely love "Lucy"! The movie moves at a brisk pace, clocking in at just 1 hour and 29 minutes, and was filmed in Taiwan, France, and a German airport. GRADE: A

Source on TMDB