Elysium

Back in 2009 a small sci-fi film from South Africa called 'District 9' suddenly introduced the world to Neill Blomkamp, a visual and special effects guru who thought he might try his hand at directing as well. With none other than Peter Jackson producing the film, it turned into one of the hits of the year with four Oscar nominations including Best Film.

Four years later, he's back and having another crack with Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and a whole host of stars, including 'District 9's biggest export Sharlto Copley, for 'Elysium'. Set in the future where the Earth is a slum and the rich elite live on the Elysium space station, the story follows earthbound mechanic Matt Damon's desperate attempt to cure himself of radiation sickness using the advanced facilities on the station, all the while being hunted by Copley's bounty hunter for carrying a secret that could topple the station's president and give power to Foster's secretary of defence.

The story isn't as compelling as 'District 9' and, aside from a few brief emotional connections with a childhood friend, there's little in the way of characterisation (again Copley is the exception, he's a brilliantly scary psychopath). Put that aside though, because this was never going to be another 'District 9', and you'll find a cracking sci-fi adventure with glorious visuals (of course), a clever enough plot to get you through and some amazing cinema.