Elysium

Was really, really, really looking forward to seeing this one.  The trailer was done so well and all the elements were there for something great.  Great story idea, top actors, beautiful special effects and written & directed by Neill Blomkamp - bring it on!   I really enjoyed District 9 which he also wrote and directed - loved the amazing realism and his ability to make the future very believable. 

The start of Elysium is brilliant and Guy and I were pretty excited thinking it might just turn out as good as the trailer suggested.  Unfortunately this is not to be.  For me the biggest downfall was the lack of character development.  As events were unfolding on screen I never felt emotionally invested in the outcome.  The other negative which seems to unfortunately be the trend now in modern movies was the super quick and blurry editing during the action and combat scenes.   Might look better on the home flat screen but at the cinema was just off putting really. 

What's most disappointing is that the story had so much potential but wasn't done justice.  It felt like the first draft of script that with some extra effort and editing could have been a modern Sci-fi classic.  A number of story elements seemed completely unnecessary - for example the robotic exoskeleton Matt Damon's character Max has surgically installed. 

It's not all bad though.  Blomkamp still manages to create an incredibly realistic future world.  His blending of real footage and CG is flawless and you don't question the reality being portrayed.  Damon gives his usual strong performance - loved seeing him all tattooed up as well.   Jodie Foster played the role of Delacourt who was in charge for Elysium's security.  It was a fair performance but I was put off a little by what I can only guess was an attempt to create a new futuristic accent.  I  appreciate what they were going for but this ended up being a negative for me.

Overall though a very watchable movie with some great action and a generally fun ride.  I've heard a lot of positive reviews and perhaps I'm being a bit harsh...  the main problem was probably my extremely high expectations going in - impossible to live up to.  Will give it another go on blu-ray next year and see how it goes the second time round.

6/10

IMDB Info