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I went into the theater today with expectations molded by reviews already read, the idea that movies based on books, TV series, or graphic novels usually come up lacking, the actor chosen for Trevor Goodchild looking nothing like the series' Goodchild, and the PG-13 rating. I was pleasantly surprised in all 4 areas.
First topic covers reviews. One said it was all fluff and eye candy. Another said there *were* no official reviews out, which always means it's a flop. Another said the movie would appeal only to those who'd seen the series and/or were fans of Ms. Theron.
Ha! There is plenty of eye candy alright. How could Charlize Theron in Aeon Flux persona be anything but eye candy??? However, this film is anything but fluff. The plot is clearly outlined and it's serious business. Not only do we have the same issues that were dealt with in the TV series, without giving away too much of the plot, there are aspects of the movie that tie up loose ends that have been dangling for a decade.
No official reviews may mean not a good flick most of the time, but in this case they are wrong. Could it be the critics aren't used to intelligent films with strong female characters, with integrity that can stand in contrast to nothing? What I saw of the female characters impressed me. It's refreshing to see strong women who are still human who don't apologize for who they are (all of this is implied, btw.) As to whether only Aeon series or Charlize fans can enjoy or relate to the movie, I don't know about that. I loved the series and have seen it again and again on my DVD set. I'm not a huge fan of Charlize and had my doubts about whether she could pull of this role with what was needed, but I was not disappointed in any way. I would have to say she played the role exceptionally well -- except those looking for that sense of irony and ironic expression will not find it in her. Same with Goodchild.
Second topic is adaptation. The director stayed quite faithful to the spirit of the series and adapted it to movie length. I'm not sure the shorts or half-hour, stand-alone episodes could have been done any other way. Adaptation in this case was to flesh out the story a bit. I liked what was constructed. The relationship between Aeon and Trevor has relevance that the series relationship between the two never chose to develop. It worked well.
Third topic is Trevor Goodchild. I remember my sons and I being perturbed when we saw who was chosen to play the part. We wondered how in the world the movie could be any good without someone with the *feel* of Trevor. Like Aeon, the sense of irony in both demeanor and expression is absent from Trevor in the movie. I won't give details, but the direction the makers of the film decided to take it was outstanding.
My sons and I were aghast at the PG-13 rating. The series had so many adult-oriented topics it was inconceivable they could be portrayed within such a framework. I'm actually kind of surprised it got a PG-13, as there was so much violence, including various ways Aeon offed her enemies, lots of shooting and killing, and showing the injured bleeding. There was no swearing, tasteful intimate scenes, and very provocative costuming, but nothing extreme. If you're looking for anything kinky in the movie, you will be disappointed.
The dialogue is intelligent and evokes critical thinking. The cutting reparte between Aeon and Trevor is absent.
The philosophy is palpable. One day we'll be looking back at the "science fiction" represented in the movie and see it has come to pass.
If you cared about Aeon or any of the characters in the series, you will care more for them in the movie.
I recommend you see this movie -- be willing to follow where it leads you.
score 8/10
ms_jade_li 3 December 2005
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1230291/ |
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29-11-2019 17:13:02
