I saw it last night and thought it was a solid, if low-budget, sci-fi film. I'd give it a 7 out of 10 stars and I'd recommend it to others. If you don't see it in the theater, it's definitely worth a rental. I actually went to see it based on Harry Knowles's review on aintitcool and I wasn't disappointed. His basic opinion is that this movie is more Phillip K. Dick-ish than the movies that have been made from Dick's books and short stories. After seeing the movie, I have to agree.
In a nutshell, the story is that 99% of the human population has been wiped out by an epidemic. At the last minute, a cure was developed by a scientist who ends up ruling the remnants of humanity. 400 years later, they all live in one utopian city, walled off from the rest of the world. However, something is wrong in utopia, people are disappearing, and the population is restless and discontent. Rebels are trying to depose the scientist's family and Aeon Flux is the insurgency's best operative.
This is high concept sci-fi with things like genetically engineered plants as security, modified humans with feet for hands, and people using drugs to communicate with each other. Lots of good ideas here and a plot with some interesting twists and turns. The look and feel is very Euro/Sci-fi, a lot like "The Fifth Element." I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Moebius was behind the design for the movie.
For the most part, the special effects in this movie are accomplished with sets and costuming and camerawork with some cg thrown in. The cg is just ok. It's really good a few times, the water-droplet monitor/security system comes to mind. Sometimes, though, it's a little too noticeable. I'm thinking of the razor-grass defense system here. Also, the fight scenes are a little too quick-cut headache inducing for my tastes. I attribute this to the fact that Charlize Theron is probably not a highly trained martial artist.
Speaking of Charlize, she is
smokin' hot in this movie. She looks great and gives a good performance here. Especially in the nightie thingy she was half-wearing in one scene.
Uhm, but I digress.
I enjoyed the movie, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to think while watching a movie. Charlize Theron is beautiful and talented as always, but I wish they had $10 million more dollars to spend on special effects.
