A Parable Of the Have Vs. Have Nots

Rating: 9/10 (12 August 2013)

Elysium is science fiction that takes place on both a ravaged Earth and a luxurious space habitat called Elysium. It explores political and sociological themes such as immigration, health care and class issues. It stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster; and it was written, co-produced and directed by Neill Blomkamp.
The story takes place in the mid-22nd century particularly in 2154. An overpopulated, polluted Earth has been abandoned by its wealthiest citizens for Elysium, a Stanford torus space station paradise. Those who remain on the planet are manual laborers, criminals, and those struggling to make a living while looking up in the sky with envy where advanced medical care is available for all, the lawns are immaculately groomed, and there's no crime whatsoever. Its opening moments dramatize this with a series of captivating visuals contrasting the cramped, grimy environment of Los Angeles which does not compared the beauty of Elysium.
Max DeCosta is an ex-car thief who has gone straight. On parole, he has left behind his old life and gotten a regular job. After a workplace accident, Max finds himself having a terminal illness. He has five days to live unless he discovers a way to get to Elysium and gain access to its advanced medical facilities. Under normal circumstances, this would doable but Secretary of Defense Delacourt is organizing a coup with the help of billionaire John Carlyle.It potentially destabilizes the political system and putting Elysium in a state of high alert. Plus, Max doesn't have the money necessary to buy passage on an illegal shuttle so he is forced to agree to go on a dangerous mission which it to kidnap the billionaire. The task is made more challenging by the arrival of Delacourt's unbalanced "operative," Kruger.
Elysium is a parable between the Haves vs. Have Nots. Also,it is a visual spectacle which is a testament to Blomkamp's extraordinary skill as a visual filmmaker. Inspite of its opening interesting premise,the story becomes somewhat clichéd and predictable as it comes into the conclusion.Also,it goes overboard with loud, jerky, repetitive action sequences.Also,the inevitable climactic square off between Max and Kruger as slips into the Hollywood generic.This film had a great potential to become a great film but unfortunately with the stated reasons above it just manages to be entertaining and satisfying. But nevertheless,this summer movie sci-fi is easily the best thing out there right now for it is thrilling and exciting.