After the We’re The Millers reviews, one might think that August isn’t starting off so hot in the box office. Will the Elysium reviews shine a ray of hope?
The Matt Damn and Jodie Foster sci-fi film opens today to much anticipation. Director Neill Blomkamp caught the eye of many in Hollywood with his work on District 9. Can he capture that same success with Elysium?
Let’s turn to the critics!
The visual style evokes numerous bone-crushing blockbusters of recent years, but part of what makes this so invigorating is the way it turns the genre on its head, critiquing military might and voicing sympathy for the disenfranchised. — Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader
It turns out Elysium isn’t the summer’s savior that some may have hoped, and worse, it’s actually a lesser film than some of this season’s other big movies that underwhelmed. — Rob Hunter, Film School Rejects
Elysium revs you up, and on its own dumb terms it delivers. But it’s less fun when Blomkamp blows something up than when he sends it up … — David Edelstein, NPR
Elysium confirms the talent – for razory mayhem and shocking satire, for the crazed spectacle of future decay – that Blomkamp showcased in his amazing first feature, District 9. — Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
Elysium is a sporadically engaging tale, as well as a potent commentary on immigration and health care policies. — Claudia Puig, USA Today
Like some of the best sci-fi movies, it draws strength from a great idea. Then it settles for crunching battles and predictability. — John Neumaier, New York Daily News