Elysium

2013 • 109 minutes

About this movie

In the year 2154, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) will stop at nothing to preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium – but that doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in by any means they can. Max (Matt Damon) agrees to take on a life threatening mission, one that could bring equality to these polarized worlds.

Ratings and reviews

I was so much hyped about this movie mostly because I wanted to see what is Blomkamp capable of achieving with a big-time Hollywood movie budget. Plus Matt Damon was in it. And then humongous disappointment - except the idea, everything else was kind of done with no purpose. Damon's character was a disgracefuly selfish human being that was supposed to be the anti-hero in this sci-fi disaster, but instead he was so easy to be disliked it just ruined the whole redemption idea!

Acting, effects , and attention to detail were amazing. In fact there were some elements so well done and so unique with good technical detail to some scenes that make this movie a must watch by it self, however the central theme is watered down by story elements , specifically medical treatment, which are a huge disappointment. It's kind of strange considering that usually when movies go to pot its the other way around but this time everything was done right except the story.

If you like feel good sci-fi movies with cuddly aliens and little kids this is not it. A more serious maybe dim view of the future depending on your politics is where this movie is at. Great special effects. Matt Damon was on his game as well as the rest of a fine cast of actors. If District 9 was a favorite you should like this movie. Still I thought that there could have been so much more to this movie. I was left wondering what was left off in the editing room. Maybe there will be a Director's cut DVD.