ELYSIUM

I saw ELYSIUM last night! Damn did I love it! If you’re out there saying, “Tom Cruise is alright, but where’s my REAL sci-fi action?” This is the movie for you! Elysium is a movie that's flat out badass in every possible way. The breakdown is simple enough; in the future Earth sucks, so the rich get together and build a wicked-cool Halo ring space station where they have the greatest healthcare machines ever. Meanwhile the people of Earth are subject to rampant poverty, sickness and endless oppression. After our poor Earth dwelling hero Max, played by Matt Damon, is stricken with a case of radiation poisoning that threatens to end his life in a matter of days, he decides to do whatever he has to do to keep his eminent death from occurring. When you look at it, it’s hard to believe that this movie is only director Neil Blomkamp’s second foray into feature film (District 9 being the first). The movie definitely retains that raw and dirty science fiction feel that gave District 9 it’s unique to look while at the same time, you get the feeling that its set somewhere in a world between Dredd and Total Recall. Everything in this movie impressive, from the jaw dropping cinematography to the gritty and explosive battle scenes to the wonderful performances by actors Matt Damon, Wagner Moura, and especially Sharlto Copley(of District 9 fame) who plays the maniacal mercenary Kruger. Though some of the characters may not be as fleshed out as maybe they could be, by the time this movie is over I honestly couldn't have cared less. It accomplished what it set out to do in spades! Overall Elysium is better than great, it’s flat out amazing! It’s tough, fun, smart, action packed, visually impressive and pretty much everything that you want in a sci-fi action flick. Definitely one for your shelf at home. Elysium gets a 5… out of 5.