Elysium

Before I say anything about this action-packed futurama portraying the seeming inevitable human destruction of planet earth, once again, I have to state, "I am getting sick of these stories!" Human beings have been fighting for centuries to make this planet a better place to live, right? Tree huggers of every generation have fought our most greedy selves to keep forests green and the oceans blue-green. Haven't we? New age gurus keep proselytizing about "living our best lives" and "being our highest selves", but film makers and television producers keep making films and programs about earth's destruction and the human will to survive it. I guess "peace, love and joy" don't sell tickets. That's our fault. 'Nuf said.

Elysium is just that: action packed, and portrays humans at their most selfish and most courageous. Matt Damon plays Max, a "bad boy" with a reputation in 2154 Los Angeles, trying to go straight and make a better life for himself. He grew up in an orphanage run by nuns, and was told by one nun that he was born for something very special. There he meets Frey, played by Alice Braga, and the two become fast friends and life-long "soul mates". Frey draws M+F with a circle over it on Max's hand before she leaves the orphanage. Max, we find out, has that drawing tatooed on his arm to remind him of his only love for the rest of his life. The best part of this movie for me was Matt Damon's abs and the tattoos all over his buff body. Sweat is forming on my top lip just thinking about it.

Jodi Foster plays Delacourt, head of security on the space station, Elysium, that sits majestically over Los Angeles as a symbol of the rich and privileged. On Elysium, the future 1% live in complete luxury with every disease easily curable. Ms. Foster is ruthless and lusts for power to control the station, like a mother wolf protects her young: with stealth and viciousness. She shoots down any shuttle from earth trying to invade Elysium's air space without blinking an eye, while kissing babies and "holding court". The President is just in her way, and after being threatened and shown her "place", she aptly shows him his.

But, Delacourt cavorts with depravity as a means to her greedy and powerful end by purchasing the services of Kruger, a sick and dangerous man, who will kill anything for a buck. Kruger is not stupid, and he is very powerful. He is a match for both the have's and have-not characters in this dark film.

But, the light comes in Max, who ultimately sacrifices himself for love, and brings about a happy ending. I love happy endings, but this movie left me wanting. It was a disappointment, and unless you have to see fights and on the big screen, I'd wait to see it free in the comfort of your living room.