MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL // A REVIEW OF "ELYSIUM"

BY LIZ WHITTEMORE

In the year 2159, Earth is divided into two classes. The elite and ultra-wealthy have abandoned what little is left of our home planet and moved to a space station called ELYSIUM. This is a place that looks like Beverly Hills, from the manicured mansions to the manicured and plastic people. They have machines that look like a cross between tanning beds and MRIs that cure any ailment that may present itself. Matt Damon plays Max, a working class guy who is accidentally exposed to radiation. Max takes on a job to steal information that would completely override the system put in place to keep to the two worlds separate. Jodie Foster plays Secretary Delacourt, who is determined to keep her world as pure as possible and has a pension for deporting or killing any illegal citizens that try and cross over into Elysium. Max runs into a childhood flame, played by Alice Braga, whose daughter is also in danger of dying if she remains on Earth. In order for Damon to complete said mission, the underground group that hired him, equips his failing body with pieces of robotic soldiers. The same machines that Max is building and get him into this predicament in the first place. The irony is not lost on me.

Fosters portrayal is good, although I am left wondering about her accent in the film. I can’t decide if I love it or hate it. Damon, who I respect so much as an actor, frankly could have been played by anyone. Though, I was glad to see his Bourne Identity chops come into play. Also, there is a lot of blood in the film. Exploding body parts galore. All that being said the shining star in the film is Sharlto Copley.  As Foster’s watchdog Kruger, he is unrecognizable from his role is writer/director Neill Blomkamp’s first feature District 9. His fight sequences with Damon are pure testosterone and I loved every second he was on screen. I would watch a whole movie about Kruger. Someone get on that.

Elysium felt more like a short story than full length film. It actually reminded me a lot of Disney Pixar’s Wall-E. This is what happens when you trash Earth and the rich get richer and the poor are left behind. That being said, it is definitely worth checking out on the big screen if for nothing but the sweeping shots of a man-made world that we may or may be around to see in our lifetime.

LIZ'S GRADE: B-

Directed and Written by Neill Blomkamp Starring Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, and Alice Braga  Rated R for strong bloody violence and language throughout  NOW PLAYING EVERYWHERE

BOTTOM LINE:  While the story may fade, Sharlto Copley’s performance will stick with you.