Ads

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Elysium: One of the best of the year so far

Director: Neill Blomkamp

                Elysium is easily one of the year’s best films. Here, Blomkamp equals his previous science fiction sleeper hit District 9.
                Set in 2154, Elysium portrays a future where Earth is in shambles and the wealthiest citizens have taken refuge in the titular orbiting space station.

The visuals are amazing, as are the special effects. The film does a great job of portraying the chaos of this dystopian future. You really feel like you’re in a living, breathing world, and we’re shown that world naturally. There’s no awkward exposition as in so many similar films. Elysium manages to subtly touch on powerful issues, without hitting the audience over the head with a message.
                Matt Damon is good as usual as the protagonist, Max. Jodie Foster is decent as Delacourt, a high ranking member of the government of Elysium. There was something a bit weird about her performance that I can’t quite put my finger on. Her voice (and vague accent) was somewhat odd, but it was effective at times.

                The real standout of the cast was Sharlto Copley, who also starred in District 9. His role in this film is much different. He plays Kruger, a ruthless villain that works for Delacourt. Copley is excellent at portraying the creepy, somewhat insane Kruger. He’s definitely one of the best film villains in recent memory.


                Elysium opened in first place on its opening weekend, making 29.8 million dollars. In second place was the Jennifer Aniston comedy We’re The Millers, and Planes was in third. Elysium’s opening was decent, but slightly disappointing. It was less than District 9’s $37 million opening, which had no marketable stars. Elysium’s worldwide total as of August 13 is $48 million. The film is currently sitting at 67% on Rotten Tomatoes.

RATING: 9/10

No comments:

Post a Comment