Hollywood's "Battle Angel Alita"?

Rating: 6/10 (17 August 2013)

I was expecting quite a bit from the director of "District 9" and thus wanted a lot out of this movie. And it doesn't deliver all the goods, but it's still a competent sci-fi movie. It's also riddled with political messages which is fine, but the movie as a whole just doesn't make sense. Even for a futuristic setting on earth, it simply has a lot of plot-holes. And doesn't have the edge to make the audiences more absorbed with the characters and the situations they are facing. In another words it just isn't a very compelling movie. It also seemed to be missing bits and pieces that could have made this movie great as a whole. Not sure if it's because of the budget, but it just seemed like it needed something more going for it. The characters motives and agenda just doesn't make much sense a lot of times. And thus seems like bits and pieces of the scenes were missing. "Elysium" however does have some great scenes that stand out though and even cool adult sci-fi elements. Sharlto Copley however is the scene stealer in this despite Matt Damon being the main protagonist or anti-hero. Sharlto Copley is an actor that has range. He goes from a weak mild mannered manager and reporter in "District 9" to the crazy guy in "The A-Team". To this intimidating, sadistic, and psychotic agent or mercenary that works for Elysium. Like I said the plot isn't anything mesmerizing or amazing but it does get the job done for the most part. It's about 150yrs into the future, where there is basically two classes of people. People that live on earth and people that live on Elysium. Earth is over populated and polluted to the point of instinction and police(run by Elysium) brutality is at it's worst. But life in Elysium provides just about everything a human being can want in life. It even has cure for cancer, facial change and reconstruction, healing, even increase lifespan. So the people of earth all want to reach Elysium where all the rich and wealthy people live. But people on Elysium doesn't want immigrant coming in, so they can keep all their lavish lifestyles to themselves. Especially Jessica Delacourt(Jodie Foster) who is the secretary of defense in Elysium. And when the protagonist played by Matt Damon ends up only having 5 days to live. He takes the initiative and tries everything to fight and reach Elysium. The plot and setting of this sci-fi movie reminded me of "Battle Angel Alita" a lot. And wouldn't be surprised if Neill Blomkamp either got a lot of ideas or was inspired by "Battle Angel Alita". Although "Elysium" just doesn't fully deliver and didn't really develop upon it's cool and innovative ideas. It didn't beat or even meet my expectations but it was a alright watch. "District 9" is the better film overall.
6.8/10