Elysium

When you first saw the original promotional shots for Neill Blomkamp's Elysium, that of a shaven headed Matt Damon with surgically attached exoskeleton, you wouldn't how thought that the final film would be a somewhat plodding action thriller that leans so heavily to the left it might as well have been sponsored by the Communist Party. The problem is Blomkamp has appeared to concentrate so much on making sure people understand his political views its been to the detriment of making an entertaining film. Though his blistering calling card District 9 was slightly spoiled by its trite apartheid allegory, it was so damn enjoyable on so many other different levels that you could ignore such obvious sign posting. Here it is not the case. Set in 2154, the wealthiest individuals now live on a man made space station (the Elysium of the title), whilst the rest of the population is stuck on an Earth that is on its last legs. When an accident at work leaves Max Da Costa (Damon) with only a few days to live he decides to attempt to smuggle himself into Elysium with the intention of receiving treatment, whilst also undertaking a mission that will end the struggle of the humans left on Earth. Blomkamp has employed many of the same hands that worked on his previous film and in respect of art design and special effects, this is visually superb. The storyline is the let down though. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with political films, but Blomkamps unsubtle comments on immigration, overpopulation, class etc. have little substance to back them up and come the films denouement the final statement appears contradictory in respect of what has been preached so far. Throw in a wasted effort from old pal Sharlto Copley (who's involvement it appears was to make sure he swore as much as possible) and this has the old problem of great on paper, not so great on film. The fact that Blomkamp wanted an unknown rapper as first choice to play the lead role suggests he's not quite the genius his debut film suggested he was. I think this film is best summed up by Diego Luna, who was so keen to work with Blomkamp he signed on before even reading the script. On hearing this Luna's agent responded "Never do that again". Wise man, that agent. Rating: 5/10.