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Elysium
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Elysium

2013
Drama
Sci-fi
1h 49m
Set in the year 2154, where the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth, a man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds. (imdb)
Directed by:
Neill Blomkamp Neill Blomkamp
Written by:
Neill Blomkamp Neill Blomkamp
Starring:
Faran Tahir Faran Tahir William Fichtner William Fichtner Matt Damon Matt Damon Jodie Foster Jodie Foster Diego Luna Diego Luna Wagner Moura Wagner Moura Alice Braga Alice Braga Jose Pablo Cantillo Jose Pablo Cantillo Carly Pope Carly Pope Sharlto Copley Sharlto Copley Josh Blacker Emma Tremblay
More
Genres:
Drama, Sci-fi, Suspense/Thriller, Action
Country:
USA
Languages:
English, Spanish, French, Afrikaans
imdb More information at IMDb
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Elysium

2013
Drama
Sci-fi
1h 49m
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Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 36.55% from 4540 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 13 Aug 2013
70
53rd
Proper health care is science fiction to Americans.
Rated 13 Aug 2013
cambelcambel
Rated 29 Aug 2013
58
30th
We're used to watch mediocre blockbusters yet the surprising part is this average flick is made by the guy behind the District 9. Script is full of plot holes, looks like they shot the first draft and Jodie Foster pulls the worst performance of her career
Rated 29 Aug 2013
spleenspleen
Rated 17 Nov 2013
71
44th
Robocop 4: Republicans in Spaaaaaaace!
Rated 17 Nov 2013
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 18 Nov 2013
4
35th
How to not be subtle: the movie
Rated 18 Nov 2013
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 15 Aug 2013
6
34th
A major step-down from Blomkamp's previous work, laden with mostly humdrum characters (save for an unabashedly wicked Copley) and a socially relevant topic that goes severely unexplored. The action is eventually kicked up a notch as it progresses, turning Elysium into a moderately diverting if not completely successful summer blockbuster... Hollywood still hasn't learned that a bigger budget doesn't result in a better film.
Rated 15 Aug 2013
matguy3matGuy3
Rated 01 Aug 2019
2
11th
There's potential in its world-building, but this dystopia is so one-dimensional and morally flat, it has literally nothing enlightened to say about the nature of class, wealth, and privilege. "Rich people = snobby assholes" does not a social critique make.
Rated 01 Aug 2019
oretyo_rety
Rated 17 Aug 2013
30
5th
Incoherent patch-up of every genre cliche imaginable brewed in a light stew of leftist delusions and general mawkishness. Matt Damon struggles but his out-of-placeness here is tangible. If you remember District 9, you're on your merry way to be thoroughly disappointed.
Rated 17 Aug 2013
yoohooyoohoo
Rated 10 Aug 2013
75
52nd
Awesome worlds created by Blomkamp, my only wish were that he explores them more.
Rated 10 Aug 2013
dakota99Dakota99
Rated 29 Aug 2019
7
76th
I think the social commentary of this is by far one of its biggest appeals, but the idea as a whole is something I found very interesting. It seems fitting that Blomkamp's name would be attached to this because I'd admire the visuals and the spectacles he aims for in his films, as he is not of the typical Hollywood mold. I think if you're looking to compare this to District 9, just don't. It's goes for a lot of things, and it doesn't hit them all, but it is entertaining to watch.
Rated 29 Aug 2019
ytadelYtadel
Rated 05 Sep 2013
5
57th
Hey wait, why didn't the leaders of Elysium just quell the earth rebellion by sending a few of those fucking med pods down to the surface? That's literally the only reason anyone is shown wanting to break into Elysium!
Rated 05 Sep 2013
djrossdjross
Rated 10 Dec 2013
40
26th
By a somewhat remarkable coincidence, when I removed the disc after watching this movie, Barack Obama appeared onscreen speaking live at the Nelson Mandela memorial in Johannesburg. The speech and the film seemed to have in common quite a few of the same contradictions and elisions, though the speech had better writers than the movie. The acting was better too. In a reverse-HAL, a computer program winds up saving the day for humanity.
Rated 10 Dec 2013
kasperlKasperL
Rated 19 Aug 2013
55
39th
I liked the world and Matt Damon but apart from him it's poorly acted and too big and broad to do much more than hold a fleeting interest. Which is fine as long as it entertains and has a cool exoskeleton suit.
Rated 19 Aug 2013
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 10 Aug 2013
70
46th
Blomkamp's sophomore project feels less revolutionary and is a bit more shallow, but it serves to entertain nonetheless. Make no mistake, Elysium is a better-than-average sci-fi, in spite of those harking on its weaknesses. The desolate Earth vs the utopian Elysium is beautiful art direction and the action scenes do their job very well. Shaky cam, pseudo-politics, and the cast minus Copley are short comings that are easily overlooked.
Rated 10 Aug 2013
mkellinsmkellins
Rated 09 Aug 2013
40
21st
The first ten minutes almost had me fooled. The scenery is breathtaking. Then the actual plot begins and everything about the premise is thrown aside. Instead we get a numbing action flick with lots of guns, explosions and robots. The award for the most unnecessary character goes to Jodie Foster. Also, it's amazing what Matt Damon can do after receiving a lethal dose of radiation.
Rated 09 Aug 2013
sweekodenSweekoden
Rated 01 Mar 2018
68
59th
Works really well as an action film, though it doesn't quite succeed as a political and human story. Fortunately the concept and consistently cool visuals make it easy enough to look past its shortcomings. 18th film of 2018.
Rated 01 Mar 2018
ratedarghratedargh
Rated 12 Aug 2013
40
14th
The rich are assholes in the future, too.
Rated 12 Aug 2013
wicheWiche
Rated 24 Aug 2013
42
17th
They could have made so much out of this one, but instead they made a gruesome and violent action flick. This film just breathes mediocrity. Some people may be disled by the overwhelming (but unnecessary: remember the face being blown off) violence, but this seems to be used to cover up the lack of story. I hate to say this, but compared to District 9, this is rubbish.
Rated 24 Aug 2013
dougiedDougieD
Rated 12 Aug 2013
65
28th
There is little about Neill Blomkamp's return to sci-fi that really sticks in my mind after initial viewing, but he once again proves his skill at world-building and slick visual style. Performances range from adequate (Damon) to forgettable (Foster) and invigorating (Copley). Strong action sequences pick up in the second half to at least make the film an enjoyable experience despite its forced message and contrived writing.
Rated 12 Aug 2013
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 10 Aug 2013
70
56th
Probably the most effective horror movie of the year for those who don't believe in universal healthcare. Especially when it's going to those icky, lazy poor people who just take advantage of the hard working wealthy.
Rated 10 Aug 2013
ddrudgesd_drudges
Rated 09 Aug 2013
50
56th
Much like District 9, Elysium had a great premise that would have deserved better. Blomkamp seems afraid to admit the allusions to our society, and seeks to distract us with filters and exoskeletons. That wouldn't have been a problem if the movie had had something else to say, but sadly the plot is your typical action movie fluff with entirely disposable characters. Rebooting a computer will surely fix wealth disparity and everyone will magically have become equal when the lights come back on..?
Rated 09 Aug 2013
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 27 Nov 2013
70
56th
Neill Blomkamp has an interesting sci-fi vision but unfortunately it's clouded with half-baked ideas and heavy handed politics. The action in this is decent, especially the raw shooting and action scenes. However, I could have done without the goofy exo armor which didn't look the least bit plausible. Damon is decent in this but Copley steals every scene. It's not often that you see a psychotic rapist villain with a South African accent in a sci-fi film. Thumbs up for the gratuitous gore too.
Rated 27 Nov 2013
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 13 Aug 2013
3
38th
It's blunt (which doesn't bother me) and thin/hastily-sketched (which does, a bit), but any fan of sci-fi actioners will dig it. And I'm nothing if not that. The setting and effects are fantastic, the action (one visually incoherent sequence towards the end aside) exciting, and Sharlito Copley makes a fabulous sneering villain. Doesn't deliver on its own promise, but it's a fun time.
Rated 13 Aug 2013
langelundLangelund
Rated 22 Aug 2013
50
34th
Screw Baldie Matt - I want the Badass Sharlto prequel!
Rated 22 Aug 2013
kojilessKojiless
Rated 20 Sep 2014
58
61st
Sure, those medic-pods can cure cancer, eliminate genetic defects, or regenerate a head blown off by a frag grenade, but they can do naught to right Jodie Foster's unplaceable accent. Maybe the future's not so bright.
Rated 20 Sep 2014
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 25 Jan 2014
84
45th
I thought this was a good movie. If not that then at least entertaining. Elysium will fall short of a decent script for some but it's very cool to look at (it's the director of District 9). Lot's of violence and eye-candy to see and the story isn't that bad. Good directing, visual effects, and production. Satisfying like it probably intended and totally worth watching. Damon is great even though it isn't as good as District 9.
Rated 25 Jan 2014
matthew_parkinsonMatthew Parkinson
Rated 27 Feb 2014
60
62nd
Elysium is a sci-fi movie with a purpose and a point, and while it's definitely a fun time at the movies, you're likely to leave wanting more: A more interesting main character, more inventive action scenes, and perhaps a sequel that explores the world that director Neil Blomkamp has created here. There's more that can be mined from this property, I think. This isn't a subtle movie -- its ideas are very much out in the open -- but it's a fun ride even if you ignore its politics. Elysium is good.
Rated 27 Feb 2014
indyatmnINDYATMN
Rated 13 Aug 2013
77
48th
Wasted potential. Establishing a future of haves and have-nots, the film refuses 2 explore that idea in any meaningful way, instead scattering its focus w/ ill-fitting analogies 4 illegal immigration & 2 much hi-tech weaponry. The rich r a mystery here w/ no parallels made 2 the likes of Republicans arguing y such disparities r a "necessary" evil. There's only a distractingly-accented Jodie Foster who's so in the wrong even the 1% dislike her. As simplistic as Ayn Rand, but far more toothless.
Rated 13 Aug 2013
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 16 Aug 2013
2
13th
The look of the film is its strength yet you can't help but think Blomkamp is doing the same song and dance he did in District 9, except this time the special-fx are upped a bit and the writing is apparently a side note. Really disappointing. The only highlight is Sharlto Copley. The story might have good intentions, but as commentary on wealth discrepancy it strikes me as hollow and nonsensical (SEE BLUE JASMINE INSTEAD). Also, Jodie Foster is horrid in this, what the hell is going on there?
Rated 16 Aug 2013
evranaevrana
Rated 21 Aug 2013
75
60th
I love how Blomkamp approaches sci-fi stories; the details he puts in his work are the ones that I always look for in good sci-fi. Even though storywise I was not as impressed as with District 9 (it was unfortunately very formulaic), he is still my favourite newcomer director and I will look forward to his next movie. Other honorable mentions: great acting, especially Sharlto Copley, and breathtaking effects (such as flying shards of stainless steel when pushed on carbon nanotube exoskeleton) .
Rated 21 Aug 2013
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 26 Aug 2013
68
45th
Hollywood-driven sophomore slump: disjointed, shakey cam, flashbacks, super-obvious message, etc. BUT we do get enough of an interesting world and some compelling and compounding conflicts to stay entertained. Copley plays a psychotic creep to perfection, and allows for Blomkamp to indulge in his body horror tendencies.
Rated 26 Aug 2013
overratedoverrated
Rated 23 Jan 2014
51
50th
eet's jest a flish wuuund
Rated 23 Jan 2014
chroniclerChronicler
Rated 01 Jan 2014
55
17th
a decent enough sci-fi flick by District 9 Director Neill Blomkamp; the overarching message of the film (wealth gap/class inequality/immigration/healthcare) worked, some of the connecting tissue that would help explain things better is lacking. The world building is decent and you do get a sense of how unequal the world where elysium is set is but not so much on the why. Sharlto Copley is diabolical as the Henchman/villain Kruger. Worth checking out if you're into Sci-Fi.
Rated 01 Jan 2014
lauftLäuft.
Rated 16 Aug 2013
66
32nd
Whoever invented the shaky cam = Hitler
Rated 16 Aug 2013
ducoDuco
Rated 27 Aug 2013
61
18th
The long-awaited directing sequel from Blomkamp left me a bit disappointed. While the movie opens some very interesting, unorthodox topics about the future of mankind (similarly as in District 9), this time I just couldn't believe the story. It was way too full of coincidences and plotholes. Plus for the CGI, minus for the story and everything else. Still above most 2010+ sci-fi movies, but nothing spectacular.
Rated 27 Aug 2013
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 31 May 2014
70
50th
All of those illegal SPACE immigrants just want access to better SPACE healthcare, but those rich assholes living in the SPACE suburbs just want the SPACE government to support their comfortable SPACE lifestyle.
Rated 31 May 2014
gr8googlyGr8Googly
Rated 23 Feb 2015
65
29th
Had promise, then fell flat.
Rated 23 Feb 2015
lookjabbaLookJabba...
Rated 16 Jun 2014
5
30th
Elysium was a film I had fairly high expectations for following the success of Neill Blomkamp's previous Sci/Fi 'District 9'. Sadly though the result is very much style over substance. There's some interesting ideas and visually it's very impressive, but the script is poor and the lack of character and plot development make this a pretty underwhelming experience. Matt Damon does enough, Jodie Foster is poor but Sharlto Copley steals the show on villain duties. Elysium is wasted potential.
Rated 16 Jun 2014
kramyessevKramYessev
Rated 01 Sep 2013
42
21st
The biggest disappointment of the year so far, but definitely not the worst. Aside from some very nice visuals, there aren't that many positive things I have to say. The performances are bland all-round, the potentially interesting themes of immigration, healthcare and class are never properly explored, and the film is just so fucking dull. Also, there's something not quite right about a $115m budget Hollywood flick that takes a jab at the rich.
Rated 01 Sep 2013
choicetoeschoicetoes
Rated 28 May 2014
70
14th
Awful, phoned-in performance by Jodie foster.
Rated 28 May 2014
dresd_r_e_s_
Rated 14 Nov 2013
3
65th
Sure, Elysium is a high octane action thriller with cool guns and actions sequences, but it is also a very intelligently imagined future. It is a good sci-fi movie that gives us a futuristic picture of how the world could look like if things continue as they do now. Although, while this is a good sci-fi movie, it's not as good as it could have been, or as many "District 9" fans (myself included) probably hoped it would be. Copley was cool, Damon was fine, Foster was lame. All in all... - Good.
Rated 14 Nov 2013
davidblastDavidBlast
Rated 16 Jun 2016
50
43rd
Hello America. As a Dane, you can bet your ass that I am speaking out of mine when I say: This is what will happen when Obamacare spirals out of control.
Rated 16 Jun 2016
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 21 Apr 2014
54
22nd
Beautiful visuals, but everything else is pretty mediocre. As everybody else has mentioned, it bludgeons you over the head with its message. It gets fairly cheesy at times. And it's got a ton of really silly and easily fixable plot holes. I'm usually good at ignoring plot holes, and the only reason I can't here is because the movie didn't suck me in enough to get past them.
Rated 21 Apr 2014
naurunauru
Rated 17 Nov 2013
58
53rd
Great action and production design; mediocre acting and writing. While the plot is terrible and Jodie Foster's accent is even worse, the exoskeleton battle scenes do compensate these shortcomings.
Rated 17 Nov 2013
uhrmacherUhrmacher
Rated 17 Nov 2013
80
22nd
Evil rich people live in the sky and exploit the poor but good hearted people of earth while withholding access to their magical healing machines. Matt Damon somehow leads a 10 man revolution and the peasants rejoice. Heavy use of shaky cam, CGI panning shots, fast cuts, and epileptic lighting. Characters fit typical tropes. At least most of the art was nicely done.
Rated 17 Nov 2013
fenixdownfenixdown
Rated 10 Aug 2013
61
18th
Some neat robots and gadgets, but otherwise lazy, lazy, lazy.
Rated 10 Aug 2013
tripwyreTripwyre
Rated 01 Sep 2013
75
68th
The social commentary is a little heavy-handed & on-the-nose, but I can't say I didn't enjoy this film a heck of a lot. It buckles a bit under the weight of expectation as the follow-up to District 9, but it's still fantastic sci-fi entertainment with a vision of the future probably not that far off. Blomkamp is putting his Halo prep to work here with ring-worlds & plasma shields and it's all very pretty & exciting. Damon is serviceable, but it's Copley who steals the show as a maniacal villain.
Rated 01 Sep 2013
quinlanljQuinlanLJ
Rated 06 Jan 2016
79
76th
N. Blomkamp proves again he is a visual genius as Elysium is beautiful in every sense of the word. Despite it having some minor issues with plot holes, weird decisions and casting that just doesn't feel right, it is an entertaining ride with an amazing main villain. Sharlto Copley is truly a cameleon, being able to play likeable characters in other films and just playing a despicable and creepy human being without any remorse in this one. All in all, Elysium is a really fun visual masterpiece.
Rated 06 Jan 2016
barbardoylebarbardoyle
Rated 27 Aug 2013
3
47th
Predictable plot and one dimensional characterization waste the opportunity.
Rated 27 Aug 2013
ehk2ehk2
Rated 09 Aug 2013
36
50th
political messages are perfect but obvious; however it was for most of the time just like another of those silly action movies.
Rated 09 Aug 2013
caprimodecaprimode
Rated 09 Aug 2013
65
39th
Ham-fisted in its politics, and not very emotionally drive - but the world created in Elysium is good science-fiction, and the action is interesting. It's not even the best science-fiction movie of the summer, but its worthy of admission.
Rated 09 Aug 2013
duderDuder
Rated 16 Aug 2013
60
40th
Even though it fails in stories, characters and how all they develop (seriously some very lazy things happen in this movie), I still enjoyed myself a lot. Blomkamp I love you, but please, turn back to your good old self next time.. He's still THE man in using visual effects that are almost impossible to distinguish from real, no one is better, even with much more money..
Rated 16 Aug 2013
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 20 Aug 2013
70
55th
A cool premise, a super atmospheric setting, awesome designs and a wickedly nasty streak really drew me in to the first hour, but it's a tad painful to see so much potential get squandered to deliver not that much more than an action spectacle with a way too convenient and happy ending.
Rated 20 Aug 2013
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 21 Aug 2013
80
84th
My total weakness for sci-fi factors into my overall enjoyment here, but Blomkamp does create beautiful science-fiction: rich, detailed & conceptually interesting. His sociological ideas are broader and less meaty, but make for a solid setting. However he too often leaves you wanting more detail. The plot goes nowhere unexpected, but I was invested in the characters, Damon is excellent & there's an edge of nastiness. Copley was an epic villain too: part lunatic, part jester & total psycho!
Rated 21 Aug 2013
mapplethorpeMapplethorpe
Rated 05 Mar 2014
8
78th
The themes are incredibly ham-fisted and it's a lot glossier than I'd have liked, but I did enjoy it a lot. Blomkamp has a great imagination and Sharlto Copley is great in this, in full maniac mode.
Rated 05 Mar 2014
chemical404chemical404
Rated 28 Aug 2013
51
41st
Unlike most people I didn't have high expectations for this film, probably 'cause I didn't like District 9 THAT much. Nevertheless, I think this film is mediocre, and lost amongst other recent big sci-fi films. It's a shame, that all of them not only have similar storyline (dystopian Christ savior), but also focuses on melodrama, rather than Sci- part, or even action. The pathos was considerably shorter than in Cloud Atlas, but I just hate such heavy attempts to get emotional response.
Rated 28 Aug 2013
hobbeszHobbesZ
Rated 21 Dec 2013
40
17th
Elysium Drinking Game - take a drink every time Matt Damon stumbles to one knee or falls down. You will be wasted by the end of the movie
Rated 21 Dec 2013
ytmnytmn
Rated 16 Nov 2015
72
43rd
For a film called Elysium, they sure showed very little of Elysium.
Rated 16 Nov 2015
ricRic
Rated 08 Nov 2014
35
3rd
Matt Damon plays great and the visuals are amazing but that doesn't save the film from feeling completely caricatural
Rated 08 Nov 2014
ecitizeneCitizen
Rated 16 Aug 2013
70
70th
Interesting story with some good acting but suffers from a lot of bad editing and poor story telling. It plays out as an all or nothing scenario ending in a somewhat lack luster finale. They did a terrible job of setting up and explaining the story, and the overall premise was terribly flawed and mostly unconvincing. Many of the action scenes were badly chopped up, but there were a few good moments here and there.
Rated 16 Aug 2013
jarmannJarmann
Rated 21 Sep 2013
66
33rd
One the one hand this movie has some of the most awesome eyecandy and action-sequences I have seen in a while. Also: Wagner Moura and Sharlto Copley do both squeeze out performances that makes the movie worth watching by itselves. Unfortunately the plot falls apart on so many places that it became ridiculous in the end. This being said by someone who loved Prometheus so that should count for something.
Rated 21 Sep 2013
whatismynamewhatismyname
Rated 03 Jan 2014
55
34th
Weak, but the CGI was beautiful as expected from a Blomkamp film. Kind of wondering how the film would have been with either Ninja or Eminem (who am I kidding, probably worse).
Rated 03 Jan 2014
space_popeSpace Pope
Rated 24 Aug 2013
60
31st
Maybe the least subtle movie of all time. Overall it was decent, but everything was just too much. Citizens of Elysium were too indifferent to the extreme suffering of the entirely too noble people stuck on Earth. I recognize that the real world seems that way, but the Magic Future Science of Elysium could have very easily cured everyone on Earth for apparently no money and very little effort, just time. They simply CHOSE not to. Humanity as a whole is not that cartoonishly evil. Even rich folk.
Rated 24 Aug 2013
xacviantxacviant
Rated 15 Aug 2013
65
19th
Compared to DISTRICT 9, the action scenes are better but the hand is much heavier. The 99/1% allegory is distressingly un-nuanced, and Jodie Foster (saddled with an awful accent) clearly wants to make a camp showcase of her role; Sharlto Copley, as her henchman, is given free reign to be loathsome, and comes off best. The heroes (Matt Damon and co.) are functional. Excellent production design and set pieces help, though the excessive sentimentality and spotty narrative are significant hurdles.
Rated 15 Aug 2013
forehead1forehead1
Rated 29 Aug 2013
40
26th
Decent enough first half-hour gives way to all-action borefest that looks nice but fails to stimulate any other senses. Has a very similar feel to District 9, but the apartheid overtones are even more heavy-handed and there's great confusion about who the main bad guy is supposed to be (The system? The politician? The agent??). Foster is crap, and Damon must have taken his role after Jason Statham turned it down. Terribly written, I just didn't care about the fate of anyone or anything in this.
Rated 29 Aug 2013
stradivariusStradivarius
Rated 02 Sep 2013
70
39th
Like District 9, its about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the forehead, and becomes a disservice to its own message as a result. You can only trivialize things so far, Neill. There's a few questionable performances, but the art direction is very well done.
Rated 02 Sep 2013
wezzoWezzo
Rated 27 Aug 2013
56
8th
An uninspired disappointment. The Dissolve pretty much nailed it here: http://thedissolve.com/features/the-conversation/79-elysium-is-just-a-bigger-broader-dumber-district-9/ - Even though I didn't like District 9 as much as those guys. Elysium is way too on-the-nose with its message and offers little - no standout performances, no compelling plot strand - to hook those wavering on the premise.
Rated 27 Aug 2013
ofterdingenOfterdingen
Rated 20 Aug 2013
51
35th
Lousy story and a lot of terrible acting from especially Jodie Foster. Damon is good and so are a few action set-pieces. Mostly disappointing.
Rated 20 Aug 2013
frederikaFrederikA
Rated 25 Aug 2013
70
67th
An honest to God proper R-Rated Sci-fi, with a serviceable (albeit clichéd and on the nose allegorical) plot and a beautifully realized dystopian universe.
Rated 25 Aug 2013
joelwatchesmoviesjoelwatchesmovies
Rated 16 Apr 2017
5
24th
On a visceral level, it mostly succeeds: Damon is a solid lead (though Foster is awful), great visuals and soundscapes immerse you in its frightening future world(s), and the action sequences know how to amp up the tension (see the data heist; twisting climax). Its emotional backstory and Earth vs. Elysium big picture lack subtlety though, and the latter feels implausible in the end (see the easy everything is happy ending), severely weakening the otherwise well-paced and compelling narrative.
Rated 16 Apr 2017
abunchofcatsABUNCHOFCATS
Rated 17 Nov 2013
45
8th
Maybe people are seeing the real Neill Blomkamp here instead of being surprised by the low-budget but excellent special effects of District 9. I liked District 9 well enough but thought it suffered from a poor script. This script set up is even worse than in District 9 and isn't supported by the special effects or great alien work from the first one. Would've solidified my view that Copley is only capable of portraying bad unlikable people but his turn in Europa Report disproves that.
Rated 17 Nov 2013
mcproustMCProust
Rated 14 Aug 2021
52
14th
This kind of science-fiction needs to be a lot more scientifically minded (the depiction of space habitats manages to dodge pretty much anything that's at all cool about the real physics of a rotating torus) or to have a much less vague, wishful and ineffectual central thesis. The film is not even political beyond the broad strokes of the setting; the revolution is somehow contrived through the unlikely alignment of everyone's personal interests without any ideological substrate.
Rated 14 Aug 2021
sproostsproost
Rated 17 Nov 2013
35
10th
Loud, obnoxious, mind-numbing, visually unappealing
Rated 17 Nov 2013
liquid3600LiQuid3600
Rated 07 Aug 2014
6
58th
Space Jesus and Space Cholos just saved humanity from the Space Republicans!
Rated 07 Aug 2014
damildamil
Rated 06 Feb 2014
65
54th
A decent, but not great, science fiction movie. It explores similar territory to District 9, but not as effectively. One of the major issues for me was that I didn't really like Damon or his character in this film. I wish they had spent a bit more time building the world of the movie, as a lot of it feels rushed over. Sharlto Copley was fantastic in District 9, but kind of feels miscast here. So, yeah, good ideas, good effects, good action scenes. It just doesn't quite add up to anything amazing
Rated 06 Feb 2014
getmoneygetmoney
Rated 19 Aug 2013
84
72nd
Tony Abbott needs to watch this movie.
Rated 19 Aug 2013
gecmartinsgecmartins
Rated 29 Dec 2013
85
30th
I liked the special effects and Elysium :)
Rated 29 Dec 2013
varcourVarcour
Rated 28 Mar 2014
45
46th
Great action, don't watch it for the story
Rated 28 Mar 2014
sopachuco13sopachuco13
Rated 18 Mar 2014
70
36th
I never watched Blomkamp's first major release District 9. Elysium though was a good bit of fun. Jodie Foster was amazing as the defense secretary you love to hate. The woman who played Damon's love interest was also very good. Damon played his robotic role. I think I would have liked Eminem better in the role. Overall the plot was alright. From what I know about District 9, it seems to pick up on themes from that movie. Most of my score goes to the outstanding performance of Copely
Rated 18 Mar 2014
sputnik84sputnik84
Rated 31 Aug 2014
36
10th
Every cliche in the world called. They want their cliches back.
Rated 31 Aug 2014
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 28 Dec 2020
66
29th
Beautifully filmed and imaginatively conceived sci-fi sets all of its pieces in place for a good show, but Blomkamp's screenplay is so painfully on-the-nose and obvious in terms of the political points he is making that the eye-rolling starts early and often (an underused Foster in a rare "baddie" role bears the worst brunt of this). Entertaining during its action scenes, and a fine cast come ready to play when not hampered by the screenplay's deficiencies.
Rated 28 Dec 2020
mspraguemsprague
Rated 22 Jun 2014
60
31st
Shallow story, lots of reasonable action. It's sad when an idea with a bunch of potential gets squandered. It's still fun to watch 'cause Matt Damon does the simulated ass-kicking so well.
Rated 22 Jun 2014
spokowapSpokoWap
Rated 28 Dec 2013
55
23rd
Glupiutkie, przewaznie nudnawe. Nie oczekiwalem wiele, a i tak sie zawiodlem. Plus za strone wizualna, choc tez jakos konkretnie na kolana nie rzuca.
Rated 28 Dec 2013
videoetronVideoetron
Rated 10 Dec 2020
72
83rd
A lot of impressive visuals and interesting technology and world building. The plot is a bit lacking however, it ends up being only a vessel for the same kind of "what if" we saw in District 9. I get the message and it do be a shitty reality already or almost, but the way it was told was not as great as it needed to be to support the mission
Rated 10 Dec 2020
panzerwolfpanzerwolf
Rated 11 Apr 2022
70
56th
I like most of the stuff that Neill Blomkamp has done when it's similar to the world-building is done in District 9. The rich vs. the poor in their slums, the tech that can be both sleek as it can appear very simple and clunky, yet effective. Elysium is mostly an enjoyable movie with an engaging plot, but the world is what engages you. Matt Damon and Alica Braga remain fairly neutral in their roles, but Jodie Foster and especially Sharlto Copley (and his awesome accent) made this movie for me.
Rated 11 Apr 2022
emtiltemtilt
Rated 20 Feb 2014
52
27th
Allows its action to get in the way of the film as a whole.
Rated 20 Feb 2014
lebarLebar
Rated 18 Nov 2013
85
91st
good story, matt saves the earth...again, works for me :)
Rated 18 Nov 2013
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 13 Nov 2013
73
36th
Strong themes and action joined together by a narrative that doesn't do justice to either. It's still a fun and compelling movie that is reasonably well paced. It just doesn't do anything more despite desperately wanting to.
Rated 13 Nov 2013
recklessmessrecklessmess
Rated 16 Jul 2014
77
63rd
If I had to pick a Christ-like character, I'd go with Matt Damon, too.
Rated 16 Jul 2014
dwyerdwyer
Rated 15 Jun 2014
41
4th
For all Damon's action-hero roles in recent years, his strength as an actor comes from a sincerity that allows him to connect believably with other characters. He is at his best when his characters interact meaningfully with other characters, and there's just enough of that early in the picture to make this movie work. Where the movie stops working is where this film turns into a defeat-all-comers shoot-em-up, which is pretty much the final act of the film.
Rated 15 Jun 2014
lethiaslethias
Rated 15 Mar 2014
62
6th
Bad, bad writing. A handful of plot holes. Such potential this movie had, gone now. Also, those mini battles and boss battles were annoying, I do not wish for things like that - I'd fancy something more pristine, maybe a view on civilization as such, things that matter. But one should not expect much from ever shallow gears of Hollywood.
Rated 15 Mar 2014
kylos609Kylos609
Rated 06 Dec 2020
69
15th
In places very nice to look at. In others it's almost nauseating with its incredibly quick cuts and slapdash editing. The story needed more time to develop. Lost of promise and enjoyable throughout but sadly missing something that holds it back from greatness.
Rated 06 Dec 2020
nick_hamdenNick Hamden
Rated 17 Aug 2013
80
77th
It has its faults, but it is still a pretty good story overall. Action is decent, and Sharlto Copley is such a great villain in this one.
Rated 17 Aug 2013
mrolivierMr.Olivier
Rated 04 Sep 2015
31
17th
Might've been half decent if it weren't so FUCKING HOKEY. Seriously, all that stupid Hallmark-y sentimental childhood bullcrap. Coulda toned that down a little. And I just don't get Matt Damon as an action hero, he's good at like, Talented Mr. Ripley-type stuff. Not this. Also I love Sharlto Copley but he seemed to be acting in a different movie than everyone else here. Really, this needed to be an entirely different movie to be any good at all, and it still wouldn't have been all that good.
Rated 04 Sep 2015
giuseppeGiuseppe
Rated 08 Apr 2014
66
26th
Coming after District 9, this feels like a huge letdown. Too many things don't make any sense or feel half-baked. Blomkamp decided to replace brains with brawn and the result isn't exactly good.
Rated 08 Apr 2014
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 17 Jan 2014
66
51st
Ham-fisted political message aside, there are some amazing visuals here. Damon is solid as he is always is. Nothing on par with District 9 but still a fun ride.
Rated 17 Jan 2014
stewballStewball
Rated 09 Aug 2013
30
5th
The over-the-top, shaky-cam-set-to-the-max-setting, class warfare propaganda here is only outdone by Foster's horrible performance, who looked like her plastic surgery was failing, she was regretting coming out last March, somebody finally convinced her that The Brave One was a pro-gun masterpiece, and it dawned on her (duh) that she was one of the Elysiumites in real life that her character (or lack of it) was living to the evil antichrist hilt. Wagner Moura a + and the plot devise worked ok.
Rated 09 Aug 2013
spuddingspudding
Rated 21 Nov 2013
48
15th
Not a good movie. Tons of overacting, predictable general direction of the plot. Setting was somwhat creative, but there werent even special effects to cover all the stupid stuff.
Rated 21 Nov 2013
kelvin1234kelvin1234
Rated 18 Feb 2014
70
26th
Its a great action and im a big fan of Matt Damon.
Rated 18 Feb 2014
hakkanarejohakkanarejo
Rated 31 Aug 2015
93
51st
Max, spends most of the movie with a spidery black-metal exoskeleton implanted in his skull and spine. It's there to make Max strong -- a boost he critically needs, since he's been exposed to a dose of radiation that will leave him dead in just five days. It also allows him to download the contents of someone else's brain. But the most important purpose served by that added hardware, it transforms Max into a hulkingly damaged yet superheroic man-machine
Rated 31 Aug 2015
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 05 Oct 2013
34
25th
Brilliant "District 9" effects, but the story was boring and poorly executed. The plot was weak and painfully built.
Rated 05 Oct 2013

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