by Philip Lop

Created on: September 01, 2010   Last Updated: May 08, 2012

Year of production: 2005

Directed by: Karyn Kusama

Written by: Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi

Running time: 93 minutes

MPAA: Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and sexual content.

UK certificate: 15

In the early part of the twenty-first century, a terrible virus wipes out 99% of the human race. The remaining one- percent occupies the planet’s last remaining city. Revered by some as the pinnacle of human civilisation, the city harbours dark secrets. People go missing without explanation, supposedly at the hands of the security forces operating on behalf of the city’s ruler, named Goodchild. Having been in power for more than 400 years, the Goodchild dynasty exerts a strong hold over the city. But it’s not strong enough. Beneath the civilised surface of the city exists an underground movement. Known only as Monicans, the silent assassins work continuously to try and undermine the chairman’s hold and liberate the city from what they believe to be a dark and oppressive rule. Aeon Flux (Charlize Theron) is one of these Monicans. Sent on a mission to sabotage an important information centre, her world is torn apart when her sister and last remaining relative is subsequently murdered by the government on suspicion of being a Monican.  

Aeon Flux is one of those films that you’ll probably watch solely for the visual entertainment value. The fact that the film is produced by MTV won’t be lost on an MTV generation who will be looking for music-video style entertainment and nothing more. It’s all glossy, glamorous and dreadfully superficial. The city setting is effective enough, comprised of startling set pieces and computer generated “add-ons” although none of it feels as though it makes much sense. A monorail round the outside of the city continually sprays all the vegetation, as if to keep some silent killer at bay, but nobody seems to pay any attention to the potential for any such virus to become airborne.

There’s plenty of action and fighting in order to make sure that you never nod off, and most of it is pretty well done. Fast and furious is the name of the game here, so expect lots of shooting, lots of explosions and lots of nasty-looking things firing nastier-looking things at everyone. Theron gets quite physical throughout, but seems lost amidst the melee of special effects, stunt doubles and wire work (there’s one really ridiculous wire scene that stands out) and you can’t help

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