REVIEW: ELYSIUM

In 2009, I watched this critically acclaimed film titled District 9. Directed by South African Neill Blomkamp, the movie caught my eye as one of the few science-fiction films worth the watch. Blomkamp returns with a follow-up to his critically acclaimed film but this time he has a bigger budget to spend.

Elysium stars Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Shartlo Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna and William Fichtner. Aside from directing duties, Blomkamp also wrote the screenplay. The film reunites Blomkamp with actor Shartlo Copley and many of his crew from District 9.

Will Elysium live up to the expectations of Neill Blomkamp's previous Oscar nominated film District 9? Do read on...

Matt Damon in the lead role of Max Da Costa

SYNOPSIS:
Set in the not too distant future, Earth is now somewhat a barren wasteland infested with humans who are unhealthy and poverty stricken. However, there are some privileged enough to afford a healthy lifestyle stays in Elysium, a very high-tech satellite station orbiting Earth. Among the humans on Earth, Max Da Costa (Damon) aims to get to Elysium so that he can cure a sickness which he suffered at work. In his attempts to find a cure on Elysium, he must first fulfill an obligation to an old friend and at the same time face challenges by a power hungry minister on Elysium, Jessica Delacourt (Foster) who will foil any attempts by humans on Earth to get to Elysium.

SCRIPT:
An original premise and concept for a science-fiction film. Well written but in my opinion had some flaws. There were too many sub-plots which sent the film into a slight disarray. Despite that, the script manage to glue all the plots towards the end. Good establishment in main characters.

Jodie Foster as the female lead Jessica Delacourt

ACTING:
Matt Damon shone in his lead as the role. Although Jodie Foster is billed as the main villain, I would loved to have seen more screen time of her. The supporting cast did fairly to hold up the film, in particular Shartlo Copely as a bounty hunter.

Shartlo Copely as Kruger, a bounty hunter

FILMING:
It retains very much of Blomkamp's old style from District 9. The setting is 'apocalyptic' and his trademark shaky camera work is clearly evident. Great sets and top-notch visual effects from companies Industrial Light & Magic and Weta Workshop.



Director Neill Blomkamp directing Copely on the set of Elysium

PACING:
The film started of really well. It went straight into the purpose of the film. Got a little draggy in the middle but had a good climax in the end.

TONE (MOOD):
Action futuristic with lots of violence and swear words.

Some sacrifices Matt Damon has to fulfill to find a cure for his sickness

DOWNSIDE:
The overused of shaky camerawork might 'disorientate' the audience into feeling nauseous. Heavy use of swear words and advisable not for children.

UPSIDE:
Original storyline, interesting premise, and feel-good ending.

Max Da Costa (Damon) ready to do battle.

OVERALL:
This film has the elements of an enjoyable film but falls a little short of Neill Blomkamp's previous directorial effort District 9.

RATING:
7 out of 10


NOTE:
A special thanks to KLIPS Malaysia for the tickets to the press screening. Click the link KLIPS for more info.