Blomkamp “Alien” film

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Neil Blomkamp’s latest sci-fi film, Chappie, hits U.S. theaters on March 6. Earlier this month, I reviewed Blomkamp’s breakout hit, District 9. Last week, I reviewed Elysium, his 2013 followup. In 2017, we have this to look forward to…

Neil Blomkamp has announced that he will write and direct a new Alien film. Blomkamp released some concept art for his vision (available here). We don’t know much except that Blomkamp wants to continue the story of Ellen Ridley and Corporal Hicks from James Cameron’s Aliens. 

“Elysium” by Neill Blomkamp

 

Neil Blomkamp’s latest sci-fi film, Chappie, hits U.S. theaters on March 6. Last week, I reviewed Blomkamp’s breakout hit, District 9. Here I review Elysium, his 2013 followup.

Director Neill Blomkamp gained international acclaim with the underground hit District 9 (reviewed here), which combined convincing special effects and strong acting with a nuanced social commentary about interracial relations in Blomkamp’s native South Africa. Elysium continues many of the same themes, but also suggests that Blomkamp might be adopting the worst habits of Hollywood.

“District 9” by Neill Blomkamp

Neil Blomkamp’s latest sci-fi film, Chappie, hits U.S. theaters on March 6. Here I review Blomkamp’s breakout hit, District 9. Next week, I will review Elysium, his 2013 followup.

Most sci-fi movies about first contact with aliens generally depict humans as either the heroes or victims – or both. First contact can be a chance for peoples of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds to make common cause against alien invaders (Independence Day) or a moment that inspires us to reach for the stars (Star Trek: First Contact).