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AEON FLUX (2005) (***)

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First I must admit that I only have a passing knowledge of the animated series for which this was based on. I can’t make comparisons, because I don’t know how it stacks up to the original. I’ve read some opinions online from fans and it seems to present a watered down version of a complex character. As a novice, I will only judge the live-action film rendition as it is. It isn’t anything new, but it works as a slick, fun popcorn flick.

A plague was wiped out most of the humans on the planet. Now 400 years in the future, all the surviving humans live in a high-tech city where everything is run by the Goodchild corporation. The world outside the city walls has been taken over by wilderness. The citizens sacrifice complete freedom for complete security. Many people just disappear with no reason and the corporation is to blame.

Aeon Flux (Charlize Theron, MONSTER) is the top assassin for the rebel group known as the Monicans, who try to disrupt the government. After a tragedy, Aeon Flux sets her sights on revenge. Her wish is finally granted when the Handler (Frances McDormand, NORTH COUNTRY) gives her the assignment to kill the government leader Trevor Goodwill (Marton Csokas, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN). With the help of Sithandra (Sophie Okonedo, HOTEL RWANDA), who has had her feet surgically upgraded with hands, Aeon storms the Goodchild complex, but inside she discovers that nothing may be as it seems and the plans of Oren Goodchild (Jonny Lee Miller, HACKERS), Trevor’s brother, may lead to the truth.

For the most part, the film plays like many recent 1984-inspired sci-fi films like THE MATRIX or EQUILIBRIUM. Not knowing the animated series, I was taken along for the film’s ride toward uncovering the mystery of what is really happening. The characters only have cursory characterization, but it’s enough. Part of the fun is the striking visuals. I remember some of the iconic moments from the TV series and they are captured well in the film. However, I have a sneaky suspicion that they work even better in animation.

Theron is completely believable in the lead role and she looks great in the many costumes. However, her acting skills are not really challenged.

In the end, the plotting is just compelling enough and the final reveal is just different enough to make the film work for someone just looking for a good time. As a person who has never seen very much of the TV series, the film succeeds in one major area — it didn’t make me hate the franchise. A really bad adaptation can completely ruin a great franchise. That’s doesn’t happen here. I’m sure I’ll like this film less after watching the TV series, but I can’t deny that my first viewing of it was enjoyable. Fans may hate it, but if it gets people to watch the original then it can’t be all bad can it?

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Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks