This year is turning out to be a particularly good one for sci-fi films that are more than just shoot-'em-up soap operas in space.
After the surprise of 'Oblivion' earlier in the year, the latest release 'Elysium' is another intelligent addition to the genre. It is well filmed, has some stunning special effects and carries an underlying social message.
Throw into the mix a well delivered menacing performance by Jodie Foster, and the equally menacing Sharlto Copley, and you have a movie treasure.
On a hot, sunny Sunday afternoon in Bermuda I ventured to the Southside Cinema to catch the just-released picture. I wasn't alone. The matinee showing was well attended, which is a good sign because I've often seen very sparse audiences at the 'way out east' cinema.
'Elysium' was directed by Neill Blomkamp, whose previous endeavour 'District 9' (2009) was also a much hailed sci-fi.
In 'Elysium' he creates a dystopian future where the inhabitants of Earth live in terrible poverty, in a polluted and overcrowded world, while the rich have fled to an orbiting space station filled with mansions, manicured lawns, swimming pools, and a healthcare system that eradicates illnesses and injuries.
The pace of the swirling story never drops, and cleverly builds to a climactic finale with plot twists to keep the viewer on edge.
There are some things that could have been done better. The hand-to-hand fighting scenes are confusingly filmed, and there are a few unlikely scenarios - such as the prevalence of USB technology in the year 2154. Also, lead actor Matt Damon could have done more to add a deeper dimension to his character Max. He gives a solid performance, but there was a real opportunity to humanise Max in the manner Carlton Heston achieved in 'Omega Man' (1971). Those who are familiar with 'Omega Man' will see shades of the Heston character arc shadowed in 'Elysium'
As I left the cinema I noticed many in the audience, like myself, appeared somewhat shell-shocked by the energetic two-hour movie ride that 'Elysium' had taken them on.
Both 'Elysium' and 'Oblivion' are strong contenders for best sci-fi film of the year.
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