22 August 2013, Singapore – Elysium isn’t perfect, but it is definitely visually stunning. Throw in some some crazy awesome weapons and bam, this movie is a crowd pleaser for Sci-fi/Gore fans. Like his Best Picture-nominated 2009 debut “District 9,” Neill Blomkamp’s “Elysium” is heavy social commentary, but with less emotional oomph.
Max (Matt Damon), an ex-convict attempting to go straight in the dismal, harsh surroundings of 2154 Los Angeles. The world’s super-wealthy have long ago moved to an orbiting Valhalla called Elysium, where everyone has a mansion, a huge-ass swimming pool and a ‘super’ medical bed capable of healing any illness instantly(seriously!?). Once awhile, space shuttles stuffed with undocumented immigrants from Earth attempt to land there, but they’re kapow/boom out of the sky by icy Defense Minister Delacourt (Jodie Foster).
I can’t really sympathize or identify with him like how I did with Jason Bourne (Bourne Identity). Jodie Foster’s bland performance and her strange accent is distracting, and the plot is just filled with holes.
I desperately wanted to like Elysium, but it ultimately comes up short.