ELYSIUM  3.2***

 

 

       Elysium is a science fiction movie that takes place on both a ravaged Earth and a luxurious space habitat called Elysium. It explores political and sociological themes such as immigration, health care and class issues. It stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster; and it was written, co-produced and directed by Neill Blomkamp, who also did the excellent film, “District 9”.

 

It’s 2154 and  Earth's wealthiest have abandoned the filthy scourge that has become our home planet and taken up residence on Elysium, a Garden of Eden type space station equipped with ultra- advanced medical technology. It's all just a quick shuttle ride away from Earth. Close enough to be realistic, but just outside the reach of the masses. The dismal picture that the movie paints of our future as a species is grim. Los Angeles in 2154 resembles the worst of the slums of today’s India and Mexico

Matt Damon plays Max, a former criminal trying to get this life back on the straight and narrow, but the Los Angeles of 2154 where he resides makes it difficult. After a run of bad luck he is dealt a deadly dose of radiation while working at his factory job. He only has 5 days to live. Max's only chance of survival is to get to Elysium for a curing treatment.  Max just happens to be on a first name basis with Spider, a mastermind hacker crime boss that has the means to get Max to Elysium.. After  a scene were Max is fused to with a robotic exoskeleton ( somewhat similar to the “Ironman” thing but much less ) , all he needs to do to attain his passage is hijack data from a corrupt official's brain and download the data to his own ( after all, a simple task in 2154).  Damon is a pleasure to watch, sort of like a futuristic Bourne, but without all the glitter…and he has one primary adversary rather multiples.

This is a very entertaining film. Blomkamp  kept the plot concise and the cinematography and special effects are stunning (although there was too much hand held camera going on that makes for a somewhat herky jerky picture)  It's easy to follow and its political implications are smart and relevant. It's a good summer action sci/fi flick.

 

Clark