“Lucy” is way dumber than I expected. It tries to be a high-minded exploration on the effects of technology on humanity, but it fails on almost every level. “Limitless” did the same concept much better and without half as many ridiculous logical leaps.

After being tricked by her boyfriend into delivering a briefcase to Taiwanese mob boss Mr. Jang, played by Min-sik Choi, student Lucy, played by Scarlett Johansson, is knocked out and implanted with a parcel of CPH4, a drug that increases the user’s mental capacity. While being held by the mob boss before transporting the drugs, she is punched in the abdomen, causing the drug to seep in to her body essentially giving her super powers.

There is a lot of this film that just doesn’t make sense. I am all for suspension of disbelief, but the film has to meet me halfway and create a universe that is at least consistent. Why is Lucy driving around from place to place when one of the first superpowers she shows is the ability to levitate? How does advanced brain power let you control electronics from miles away? This film expects you to know without any explanation.

The film is visually interesting, and Johansson is appropriately energetic enough to make the action scenes worthwhile. Even though the story was frustrating, the more kinetic sequences made the film worth a watch. There are a lot of great visual effects as well, I just wish they were used to better effect instead of just being eye candy for the most part.

I’m a fan of director Luc Besson, especially his work on “The Fifth Element” and “Leon: The Professional,” but I was more frustrated than anything with “Lucy.” It’s clear to see a great movie peeking through the cracks, but the logical inconsistencies cause it to never reach any satisfying conclusions on its proposed questions about human life. If you want to see a good movie where Johansson has powers of some kind, I would highly recommend 2013’s “Under the Skin” rather than “Lucy.”

2 out of 5 Stars