The Matt Damon Sci-Fi Flop That Deserves A Second Chance
Sometimes an action movie comes along that gets moderately hyped at the time only to be dragged a bit because the expectations might have been too high. That was something of the case with Elysium, starring Matt Damon. While the general air was disappointing when it first came out, there’s a case to stream it now on Hulu with some of the overall tones and general action still holding up.
Directed by Neill Blomkamp, this film takes us to a future where the world is divided between the haves and the have-nots, offering a thought-provoking journey into a society marked by inequality and innovation. From this perspective, the themes resonate more than a decade later.
In Elysium, Matt Damon is Max DeCosta, an ordinary man living on an overpopulated and impoverished Earth
In Elysium, Matt Damon takes on the role of Max DeCosta, an ordinary man living on an overpopulated and impoverished Earth. The year is 2154, and while the wealthy reside in a luxurious space station called Elysium, the rest of humanity struggles to survive in a dystopian world. Sound like a direction things are going now?
When Matt Damon as Max is exposed to a lethal dose of radiation, he embarks on a high-stakes mission to Elysium to access its advanced medical technology that could save his life. As he infiltrates the space station, Max becomes entangled in a battle for equality and justice, pitting him against the powerful elite.
Joining Matt Damon in this futuristic tale is Jodie Foster as Elysium’s steely Secretary Delacourt, and Sharlto Copley as Kruger, a ruthless mercenary with a deadly agenda. The film weaves together action, suspense, and political commentary, highlighting the divide between privilege and struggle.
Matt Damon’s Elysium scored 64 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and earned $286 million worldwide at the box office
Released in 2013, Elysium received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rating of 64%, indicating a balance of positive and negative assessments. The movie’s box office performance was solid, earning over $286 million worldwide.
However, despite its financial success, some critics felt the film didn’t fully capitalize on its intriguing premise, while others praised its visual effects and thought-provoking themes.
But wait, why should you give Elysium a second chance? Well, it’s not just for Matt Damon’s rugged charm – though that’s certainly a bonus! The film’s exploration of social inequality and the disparity between the privileged and the marginalized remains incredibly relevant today. Plus, its futuristic setting and action-packed sequences offer an engaging escape from reality.
So, whether you missed it the first time around or you’re simply looking for a unique sci-fi fix, consider giving Elysium a shot. After all, who wouldn’t want to watch Matt Damon take on the future armed with determination and a touch of charisma?
Matt Damon Wasn’t Always An Action Star
And it’s easy to forget now, but Matt Damon was anything but an action star early in his career. It wasn’t really until Damon took on the role of Jason Bourne in the “Bourne” film series that his career started to delve into this genre.
His embodiment of the skilled and enigmatic spy across several installments garnered both critical acclaim and box-office success, cementing his place as a dude who could handle these high-octane lifts. Elysium came after the first two Bourne movies as well as Green Zone which was almost tangential to that franchise even if it was a different character (same director).
More recently, Matt Damon had said he was going to take a break from acting, giving his wife one caveat that if Christopher Nolan came calling, he’d be back in. Well, Nolan did call and that was for Oppenheimer which was released this summer.
Damon took the major role of Leslie Groves alongside Cillian Murphy’s titular scientist and bomb maker. The movie has been met with massive critical acclaim and box office success.
But in terms of exploring some Matt Damon movies which deserve second looks, Elysium fits the bill. It may not have received universal acclaim, but its blend of action, social commentary, and futuristic spectacle make it a worthy addition to your watchlist.
And if you’re a fan of Matt Damon – or even just a fan of thought-provoking sci-fi – this film is definitely worth a revisit. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride through a divided world with one man’s determined quest for change.
