One of the Most Important Films of Its Time

Rating: 7/10 (19 December 2013)

With this film, I have had a revelation about how much I am truly learning to love and appreciate the science-fiction genre of film AND books. Even though this was an original screenplay, I was actually extremely motivated to go ahead and pick up Philip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" (which became the very celebrated film, "Bladerunner"). In doing so, I think I have already found a new author I will probably enjoy for the rest of my lifetime. To you, Neill Blomkamp, I send my regards.
Outside of the Earth, there is a spacestation built, called Elysium, where all of the wealthy of Earth relocate themselves to be away from the pollution and scum of the poor folk on the planet. Our protagonist, Max, runs into a mishap and must find a way to Elysium so that he can be healed in one of their miracle beds. These miracle beds allow the wealthy to live on and on, only to be killed by other humans, yet they are able to be immune to anything nature throws their way, to an extent.
When it comes to the acting in "Elysium", I must applaud every single actor. They have all given a fantastic performance, especially Matt Damon as Max. Not only is he layered, but I believe that many people who see "Elysium" will easily relate to him. He is a hard worker, much like the rest of the society in which we live. For a character not too focused upon, I must say that Matt Damon's old friend's daughter is well-casted with an excellent little girl. My heart cracked a little at the thought of her having cancer and dying slowly. Our two main villains, played by Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley are just extraordinary. They both suited their roles so very well, and I truly cannot see another person playing either. These were one-of-a-kind performances. The film is just perfectly casted, in all accounts.
The writing of this film is another one of Neill Blomkamp's exceeding accomplishments at writing political commentary in cinema. Not only is this a groundbreaking film, it is the type of film I would hold up to the likes of "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "District 9" (Blomkamp's past film). Neill simply manufactures brilliance within his storytelling, and his directing compliments what he writes for the screen. He knows exactly what to do with his ideas, how to execute them properly, and then he just goes along his merry way and crafts it into a subtle masterpiece. Excellent, EXCELLENT job, Blomkamp. You get less acknowledgments with the film academies than you deserve. This film also has some of the most jaw-dropping moments I've ever seen put to the silver screen.
With "Elysium" being a science-fiction action film, many people are probably wondering how the special effects were. I'll be frank: these designs for anything from ships to futuristic areas, to nonexistent laser weapons, to the stars in space is phenomenal. There are't many films with such great special effects, but it doesn't really shock me, being that this is a Blomkamp film.
The score, the familiar bass of "Inception", is definitely suitable. I wish this type of soundtrack would be used on more films nowadays. There is something truly intense about the note played in one solo cloud of thunder.
"Elysium" is brilliant. There are no words in my vocabulary to describe how excellent the film really is. If you enjoy the genre, it is definitely a must-see for you. If you want a straightforward action film, it is for you. There is so much to enjoy about the film.
With all of that said, I'd be shocked if you hadn't already guessed what my fanboy self was going to rate the film with.
IMDb says that Blomkamp's next film, "Chappie" will not be released until 2015, so we've got a while to wait. But it will be well worth it, I'm sure. Check this out, readers.
Merry Christmas, and God bless!