Aeon Flux [Blu-ray]

     Like the animated series it's based on, Aeon Flux is the kind of sci-fi that's best appreciated by the MTV generation. It's a serious attempt at stylized, futuristic action/adventure (the title character, played by Charlize Theron, is essentially a female James Bond for the cyberpunk era) and taken for what it is, it's not all that bad. The action takes place in the year 2415, four centuries after a virus nearly decimated the human race, leaving only five million survivors in a utopian city called Bregna. Aeon belongs to the Monicans, a secret rebel resistance force that is struggling to destroy the Goodchild regime led by its namesake, Trevor Goodchild (Martin Csokas), the ruler of Bregna and a descendant of the man who found a cure for the deadly virus. As instructed by the Handler (Frances McDormand, gamely playing along in ridiculous sci-fi regalia), Aeon is assigned to assassinate Goodchild, but there are deeper secrets to be discovered, and conspiracies to be foiled. This leads director Karyn Kusama (who fared much better with her debut feature Girlfight) to indulge in all sorts of routine action and fast-paced gunplay, but the elusive pleasures of Aeon Flux are mostly found in the sleek athleticism of Theron and costar Sophie Okonedo (as a fellow Monican), who commit themselves 100% to roles that are dramatically flat yet physically dynamic. Other highlights include Aeon's high-tech gadgetry (including an eyeball that doubles as a microsocope) and the amusing sight of Pete Postlethwaite in a costume resembling a construction-site disposal tube, but Flux fans may wonder what happened to the surreal, chromium sheen future that gave the MTV series its visionary appeal. As a live-action feature, Aeon Flux is a miscalculated exercise in cheesy style and dour tone, but it's entertaining enough to earn a small cadre of admirers.

      400 years in the future, after a virus decimates the world population, only one city on Earth remains. Ruled by the Goodchild dynasty, it is a perfect society of peace and prosperity - except that its citizens keep mysteriously disappearing. Charlize Theron stars as Aeon Flux,a secret agent/assassin/warrior whose mission is to bring down the regime. But as she goes deeper into her mission, Aeon uncovers some shocking secrets that put the mission -- and her life -- in danger.

Comment:
    The visuals in this movie are definitely eye candy, with the scenery and futuristic buildings and conceptual designs enticing. Charlize Theron as a model, has a mold to break, and she's done it previously with roles such as Monster, Devil's Advocate and others, so I enjoyed her in this role. However, the story is a bit slow moving, and not conceptually unlike other movies already created (Minority Report, 1984, Demolition Man). The PQ and AQ are 4/5 on this HD DVD, and it's worth a buy if you like the slower paced, atmospheric, and dreamscape type feel of some of the futuristic shows/movies releases on the big screen. This is another great Blu-Ray release, Aeon Flux looks and sounds great in the Blu-Ray format!!! Lots of great extras too!!! Was out of print but now it's back in the stores again, since Blu ray was the victor in the HD War!!! A+If you are a Science fiction fan you'll love this movie, it kept my attention all the way through, and that is very hard to do. Any fan of the cartoon version from MTV will love the way that they brought it to the silver screen. Great Graphics on the HD Player.