The Bourne Apocalypse

Elysium is my last on the list for summer movies in Japan. The film is Neill Blomkamp's follow-up to his brilliant District 9 and now it stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster. It is also the last of the 'scorched-Earth' films of 2013, after Oblivion and After Earth. Basing it on the premise and D9, it is fair to say that we expected a different kind of sci-fi film. A more grounded, yet socially relevant theme is expected to be employed in the film.

The story takes place in Los Angeles, year 2154 after the Earth became overly populated and polluted. The rich lives in some kind of sustainable, livable and highly exclusive space station named Elysium. The world is also overly reliant on droids and robots. Enter Max Da Costa, one of the 'slum people' who are left to live on Earth breathing on dust and dirt. After an accident happened, Max has to reach Elysium in order to save himself by getting himself on the high-tech, 100% curing medical equipment up in the rich people's place.

It's safe to say that Elysium lands second place among 2013's 'scorched earth films', definitely ahead of Shyamalan's After Earth. Elysium is also a decent sci-fi too, if you're willing to overlook the glaring plot holes. So good news first, the film has Matt Damon in one of his bests. Starting from the brave physical transformation to the performance on screen. Although intriguing, it's hard to see Eminem in that same kind of dedication. The actors are basically one of the strongest driving force, with amazing work from Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley. And also the surprise appearance from William Fichtner. The other driving force is Neill Blomkamp himself, with his vision and story. There are also some exciting camera works too during action scenes. Plus, the music by Ryan Amon is a perfect fit and quite surprising to have that kind of music comes from an unknown composer. I was expecting Harry Gregson Williams for some reason (it sounds Zimmer-y but he's too busy).

Now the bad part: the logic of Elysium is all over the place. Firstly, how does the Elysium work? It looks amazing yet there seems to be no gravity and pressurized atmosphere. Plus with all the problems with Earth-settlers coming to Elysium, there are no space-bound security. And people on Elysium does not stay at home. Second, Max's exoskeleton is not as awesome as promoted in the trailers. The ending is also one big plot hole. [spoiler alert] Now everyone has the MedBays, so no one will die? What a way to fight overpopulation. One more thing, Sharlto Copley's Kruger is arguably worse than Bane, and he does not even wear a mask. Also on Kruger, when he went to the MedBay, the thing restores Kruger's beard too. That's the simplest offense that shouldn't have happened. Also when Max has his exoskeleton suit on, no one seems to give the tiniest damn. It's like common fashion. Despite all the problems, Elysium is a good time at cinema. Come for the actors, setting and action, but don't settle for basic sci-fi rules and common logic. Let's hope Blomkamp's Chappie isn't as laughable as the title. Elysium: rated 3/4.


I may not be watching films in the cinemas on October because apparently The Conjuring isn't playing in my city and Diana turns out to be so bad (the rest of the movies on October is either bad or I already watched, like RIPD--Jap-titled Ghost Agents and Now You See Me--Jap-titled Grand Illusion). Though it's safe to say that I'll be back reviewing films on November with Carrie remake. Though I would be very sure, to post something in October too, probably relating to the end of Breaking Bad and pilot season.