Scott Gentry reviews "Elysium". The latest blockbuster from "District 9" director Neill Blomkamp.

"Elysium" (15)
Director: Neill Blomkamp.
Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley.
Running time: 109 minutes.
Rated: 15 for containing strong language, bloody violence and gory images.
Out now in UK cinemas.

Set in the year 2154, poverty is at an all time high. The rich live in the sanctity of 'Elysium', a utopia, safely stationed on the outskirts of Earth's atmosphere, while the poor are left to die on Earth. When Max Da Costa (Matt Damon) an inhabitant of Earth, is given one of the hardest missions of his criminal career, he is given the chance to break down the barriers between two worlds.

"District 9" is arguably one of the best Sci-Fi films to be released in the last ten years. Dismissing all cliches, "District 9" set out to be different, not to become your average popcorn muncher, thanks to it's director Neill Blomkamp.

This is where "Elysium" fails. "Elysium" really is just another Hollywood blockbuster, which never dares to be as raw and emotional wrenching, compared to "District 9". It's a disappointment on many levels, but worth praising when it comes to other areas in the film.

"Elysium" has an original and intriguing concept to begin with, but then travels into the realm of a typical action film. For at least the first half an hour, the film plays around with the culture of it's setting; shows you how the world has developed and then it thrusts you into bombarding set pieces, which mainly take place on Elysium. Saying that, the action and CGI is a joy to watch; pushing the boundaries of the film when it comes to certain scenes, including a man being healed after a severe wound, due to an exploded grenade. On a whole, the film really does look amazing, with some exceptional shots of the Elysium habitat.

The characters are well played by a sublime cast list, ranging from Jodie Foster to Matt Damon; who both act considerably well. Saying that, it is Sharlto Copley who really steals the show, as Agent Kruger, a vicious sleeper agent who is intriguing and fun to watch. 


Verdict

What I really wanted to see from Blomkamp, was a sequel to "District 9", but instead I got a satisfying piece of cinema, which delivers better than some of this years earlier Sci-Fi offerings. 

5 stars out of 10 = Good.

Film rating key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.

Watch the trailer by clicking on the video box!