Ignore Jodie Foster's horrible French accent.

Rating: 8/10 (12 August 2013)

As one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, Elysium comes at the heels of Pacific Rim, another post apocalyptic film widely received from Del Toro. Elysium comes from the Director of District 9, Neil Blomkamp, and stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster. Did it live up to it's expectations? It depends on how high you set them. As a Matt Damon fan, my expectation were that of any Matt Damon movie: it would be awesome. Did I like it more than Pacific Rim? Nope. But I did like it a lot, and here's why.
Like District 9, Elysium focuses on the social and political issues that are relevant to today. These issues are so close to home that you almost feel like: man, this could actually be how it is in 2154. It focuses on health care, separating the classes between the rich and the poor. It touches on dangerous working conditions and corporate involvement. But Elysium isn't just about the social issues. It's about becoming aware of exactly who you are and who you should be as a person. It's about self-discovery and the idea that sacrifices must be made in times of dire circumstances. Elysium is a commentary that encompasses every aspect of morality.
The script, though not the best written one, was well delivered by Matt Damon and his supporting cast. Jodie Foster's French was almost fluently spoken all though when speaking English, the accent itself was horrible. Sharlto Copey, who we know from A-team and also District 9, is actually a bad ass villainous character. He's creepy and satisfyingly evil enough that Kruger is a believable character. The art direction and production is also something to admire. The design of the ruined Earth as opposed to Elysium was well contrasted and beautifully creative.
If you see one dystopian / post-apocalyptic film this summer, it's a toss up between Pacific Rim and Elysium. But if you liked District 9 and love Matt Damon, definitely choose Elysium.