Surprised there's not discussion about the movie yet :\ Anyway, saw it earlier today. Loved it. I was already excited due to loving director Neill Blomkamp's previous film District 9, and this did not disappoint me. Solid cast of characters that are all excellently acted out (especially Matt Damon and Sharlto Copley) with realistic and dynamic motivations, fast-paced plot that never seemed to drag on to me, not-so-subtle political/social commentary that is made bearable by executing it through cool-ass sci-fi weaponry, mechs, exo-suits, and a Halo-looking world, appropriate music (and where it needs to be, as well as none where there shouldn't be!), and best of all? IT'S NOT A SEQUEL/ADAPTATION/REMAKE. My only gripes would probably be just wanting more time to really see the actual world of Elysium, like the social gatherings and stuff. Also, maybe just a little explanation for how the med bays in Elysium work? Probably unnecessary for what they're trying to achieve, but its just something a person like me gets curious about. From one film lover to (hopefully) others, see this one.
I heard that it wasn't that good from multiple people. When I saw it advertised my immediate reaction was that it looked amazing, but as the preview went on and they were only showing action, I assumed it would be another one of those movies that starts out with a very interesting premise but forgets everything thoughtful in favor of over the top action. I'm not going to see it in theaters. I'll probably watch it when it comes out on dvd.
...that's not accurate at all. It never forgets the story it's trying to tell, none of the characters are there simply to move the plot forward, and the story never takes the backseat. You have to understand the reason that movies constantly show off the action first, is to draw in as many audiences as possible, which unfortunately means showing them the flashy action stuff, because that's what appeals to a majority of younger American men. You also have to keep in mind that some people are against this film simply because of the message it carries about certain social issues, like immigration, documentation, citizenship, healthcare, the wealthy 1% feeding off of the labor of the poor, etc. I've heard certain groups are actually boycotting the film.
Ah, well that's good. I wanted this film to be good, but I had fairly strong doubts. I love when films tackles those kind of ideas, which is why I wanted this movie to actually be about them and not use them as a backdrop for action. Still, I'll wait for it to come out on dvd before seeing it.
Saw this the other day. Didn't care for it. Very predictable, 2-Dimensional characters, just plain boring, half-assed writing, etc.
