'Elysium' adds a new sci-fi peak to 2013

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.

Movie 'Oblivion' sets out a great premise

Today I went to the cinema to watch 'Oblivion'. The science fiction movie stars Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman, among others, and has been generating some interesting reviews for a Sci-fi feature.

It was a day off from work, so I had the luxury of settling in to watch an afternoon matinee. There was just me and about four other people in the 162-seat cinema. That wasn't a problem as I actually prefer to have a quiet space to soak up a movie and really get involved in what is on the screen, rather than be distracted by chattering or noise.

'Oblivion' is a well-made science fiction, beautifully filmed with breathtaking scenes and high production standards. The acting of the main characters, of which there were four, was also of a high standard. But best of all was the quirky story and its twists and turns. The premise set up during the first hour was thought-provoking and engrossing. For that first hour alone I give this film the thumbs up. The second part of the movie varied in enjoyment level due to the pacing going a little astray and the story descending into somewhat predictable territory. However, there was enough interest to carry 'Oblivion' through to the finale.

The movie drew inspiration from other Sci-fi classics, with elements of 'The Planet of the Apes', 'Star Wars', 'Blade Runner', 'Wall-E' and even 'Buck Rogers' (the 70s remake) evident. On the plus side, the fact that it was an all-new story as opposed to a long-running franchise, such as 'Star Trek' or one of the many super hero films being made these days, separates 'Oblivion' from the rest of the pack. The slow set-up of the premise and the revealing of the initial plot twists in the film's first half was skillfully done.

There is a point in the movie where 'Oblivion' could have capitalised on its intriguing foundations and headed into even deeper territory of the mind and the human condition, and that is what I would have loved to have seen. In the end it takes a more traditional route to a climax that felt somewhat hurried.

'Oblivion' is not a bad movie. It has plenty of haunting imagery and thought-provoking ideas to satisfy, and it may well be the best Sci-fi outing of this year.

But it is the latest in a string of big budget movies that I feel could have been true classics if they had either pulled back when they hit a natural high point, or continued pushing their more quirky story-telling path. 'Super 8' and 'Django Unchained' are two striking examples that built up superb first halves only to wrap up in predictable "Hollywood expects" fashion.

'Oblivion' trails off in a similar way, although not badly enough to undo its stunning first hour of story-telling. The focus on a handful of key characters, and the human story that links them, is given major screen time - refreshingly, as often a film of this genre can overshadow such character-play with special effects. If the invention of the film's opening half had continued as strongly to the end, then 'Oblivion' would have been a true classic.

For me, seeing this film teaches the importance of having a structured roadmap for a story that carries its intrigue and surprises all the way to the end, rather than end up rushing something and ending up with a rather predictable finale.

As it is, 'Oblivion' is a great Sci-fi outing, visually gripping, well acted and with a novel premise. Worth seeing? Yes, especially on a big screen.