SYNOPSIS (IMDB): In the year 2159 two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Rhodes (Jodie Foster), a government official, will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. That doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in, by any means they can. When unlucky Max (Matt Damon) is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that if successful will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.
Why You Should Care: Matt Damon is riding high as an action-“bourne” star, and he’ll continue his venture as such plying his trade as a bad-ass with only 5 days to live and to get onto Elysium, where he can be cured of his cancer/radiation poisoning, but also he’ll have the chance to change the societal status-quo, one that is controlled by Jodie Foster’s upper-class evil politician/dictator of sorts.
Another reason you should care? Writer/Director Neil Blomkamp, whose District 9 was a pleasant sci-fi surprise and a fabulous film with socio-political underpinnings—this film looks to follow suit, and Blomkamp, a protégé of LOTR’s director Peter Jackson, is über-talented. Sharlto Copely, who made his debut as the lead in District 9 and held his own in The A-Team, is also a main player in the film. Acting and directing-wise, this film is in great hands.
When Can You See It: August 9, 2013
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FIRST LOOK: Matt Damon and Neill Blomkamp‘s ‘Elysium’