entertaining though unlikely plea for universal healthcare

Rating: 8/10 (10 March 2014)

Neil Bloomkamp is clearly a director who believes sci-fi should convey ideas, not just throw around big special effects. He also, though, likes big special effects.
With Elysium, the big idea is that rich people have created an idyllic world for themselves in outer space after trashing earth, leaving billions on earth to live in grinding poverty and work in their dangerous factories. There is a brisk trade in the equivalent of border running; Elysium is particularly alluring because it contains machines that will repair any illness. A fatal disease on earth is a quick fix on Elysium.
The desire of earthers for health is mixed in with right winger xenophobe Jodie Foster's desire for power. The result is exploding space ships, battles with advanced weaponry, and android fights, all used both to entertain and to further the message.
While entertaining, Elysium isn't especially convincing. The movie has a very black and white view of the dynamic between earth and Elysium, dividing the world a little too neatly into purely evil bad guys and noble folk. There is also a moment at the end that, while effective, doesn't really make sense if you think about it.
Still, this is a movie with its heart in the right place, and performances are quite good, especially Sharlto Coopley as a disturbingly scary enforcer. I like the message, which in essence I believe in (i.e., the Koch brothers would totally do this if they could), and even if you don't like the message, there's lots of fun running around and explosions.