In the future, an exclusive world will be the ultimate destination; but only those brave enough will ever make it there...
In the distant future, the super rich have created a world for themselves in nearby space, called Elysium, where there is never any illness, violence or sadness. The rest of the people on earth are left to fend for themselves with little access to medical care and living in slum conditions.
When "Max" is struck down by radiation poisoning after an accident at work, he knows his only way to survive is to access the medical scanners only present on Elysium. He has to bypass the security fields and make his way to the promised land without being shot down in the process. When he robs and murders an important man in his quest to reach Elysium, he comes face to face with a force who has sworn to protect the elitist way life, no matter the results...
South African director, Neill Blomkamp, returns to the big screen for the first time since his epic debut in "District 9" with a film which feels remarkably similar, but covers a far different terrain. His style is courageous and daring, but very entertaining no less, but the film could almost be a big brother to his first effort. It will be good to see what his next film does, as he needs a change of scenery.
Matt Damon takes the lead role as "Max" a former child of the street, whose lifes goal it is to reach Elysium. His portrayal is gritty, yet surprisingly sensitive and he does well in a challenging role. It is a good outing to follow his recent showing in "Behind the Candelabra", but the role did not come close to testing his talents.
Jodie Foster returns to the big screen for the first time since her stunning role in "Carnage" of 2011, with a decent showing as Head of Elysium security "Delacourt". She gives a stylish performance, with the only detracting factor being that her accent seems to be all over the place. She starts off French, the moves to English, American and in one scene even takes on a South African twang. Despite that it is good to see her back on the screen in this convincing role.
The star of "District 9" Sharlto Copley, plays almost the exact same character as the one which shot him to stardom, but this time seems a bit darker, and if anything, a LOT more crazy in his portrayal of "Kruger". His performance is superb, and along with Brandon Auret and Josh Blacker they make very motley crew of South African mercenaries. This is a good showing from Copley, but it would be very interesting to see this actor do a non military role.
Alice Braga gives a quite good showing as "Frey", this Brazilian actress showing that she is not only beautiful, but also rather adept in a number of different genres. She shows a far more caring side to her talents as a doctor and a mother in this one, and I look forward to seeing her next movie performance.
William Fichtner can seemingly not stop making good films. Following up his great role as "Butch Cavendish" in "The Lone Ranger", with another stunning performance as businessman "John Carlyle". He takes care of the dirty business, about which the citizens of "Elysium" do not want to know. This is a challenging role, which he manages with ease.
The film is decent stand alone effort, but with an almost identical setting and a few of the same actors, it is bound to draw comparisons to "District 9". It is enjoyable, but does drag a little in the middle. There is a fair amount of violence and bad language, so probably not one for the entire family, but a good way to spend an evening.
6/10
