Elysium

****
Release Date: August 21st 2013

Set in the year 2154, where the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth, a man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds.  

Director: Neil Blomkamp (District 9)

Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, William Fitchner, Alice Braga

It may have taken four years for Neil Blomkamp to bring out a highly anticipated follow up to 2009's District 9, but it's been worth the wait.

Earth, set in 2154, is a desolate wasteland overpopulated by the poor, its inhabitants living in atrocious conditions. The rich populate a space station called Elysium, separate from other classes of people. They have medical pods that keep them cured from all ailments and diseases.

Max (Matt Damon) comes from a poor background. He dreams of one day reaching Elysium. Money is the key to its access. Max's crappy factory job keeps his dreams alive, until an accident occurs that results in his need to heal himself, alas, rendering him no choice but to head to Elysium quicker than expected.

Elysium is as beautifully shot as District 9. The CGI is incredible for such a low budget, and the sea of houses and people (shown through scene setters and birds eye views) pay homage to Blomkamp's previous effort. It's narrative is strong, ploughing social issues, politics and moral values into our laps. 

Matt Damon is reliable as ever. He is always bound to be a fantastic choice after the intense Bourne action/thriller trilogy. His character Max's choices are full of optimism, as if he's got nothing to lose. He's fixated on his goal; to get to Elysium, cure himself, and heal the world.

Kruger (Sharlto Copley), the hired mercenary of Delacourt (Jodie Foster), the secretary of Elysium Homeland, is the main antagonist, discharged by the station President due to not following protocol. He gets the chance to redeem himself when Max needs apprehending after taking top secret information off a top businessman of Elysium (Fitchner). Kruger has all you need as a perfect villian; his anger and rash decisions make him someone to avoid. Kruger is a time bomb waiting to explode.

There's one small, teeny, tiny gripe that comes to mind. Max's exoskeleton is a disappointment. Judging by all the pre-release snapshots and teasers of Damon in his skeletal suit would make all sci-fi fanatics wanting a replica. This is not the case, as we see Max go through an ordeal having it 'attached' to him to assist his weakening body. It's rather small and whimsical, and doesn't quite have the striking effect we were hoping for.    

It's great to see director and actor collaborating again. Copley was part of the many wonderful things that made District 9 a success. No one ever suspected someone unheard of to play the lead of a film overseen by Peter Jackson. Copley's switch from good (D9) to bad (Elysium) shows his capabilities as an actor. Blomkamp is a contender for one of the best sci-fi filmmakers in the last ten years.

Overview: If you're a big fan of District 9, or any science-fiction, then this is definitely for you.