Aeon Flux 4K UHD Steelbook Review
Stick to the animated series.
Based on Peter Chung’s groundbreaking MTV animated cult classic, 2005’s “Aeon Flux” is a live-action adaptation scripted by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi. The film begins with title cards revealing that a virus wiped out much of Earth’s population in 2011. A scientist named Trevor Goodchild developed a cure and the survivors lived in Earth’s only city known as Bregna. The walled in Bregna has long been ruled by the Goodchild Dynasty but a group of rebels (Monicans) are rising up against the shady regime in 2415. One such Monican (the titular hero) is assigned to take out Trevor Goodchild, but she soon discovers a vast conspiracy in which she not only discovers her own past, but humanity’s past. Elsewhere in the plot are crucial storylines about Aeon’s sister Una and the council plotting something sinister.
On paper, “Aeon Flux” sounds like a winner as all of the pieces for a successful sci-fi action film here. You’ve got the talented director Karyn Kusama at the helm (best known for “Girlfight,” the cult horror film “Jennifer’s Body,” and my personal favorite “Destroyer”). You’ve got Charlize Theron who was fresh off of an Oscar win. You’ve got a film based on an exciting animated property. You’ve got sexy costumes, wild stunts and big physical sets in real locations. You’ve even got Frances McDormand popping up here and there. So, what went wrong? Why did this become such a disposable early 2000’s film? In addition to behind-the-scenes studio interference, this live-action take simply doesn’t feel like its animated counterpart. Sometimes animated stories do not translate to live-action even with all of the talent and resources. “Aeon Flux” has also aged quite terribly with its cheeseball action and sequences in which it so desperately wants to mimic “The Matrix.” Did I mention this movie also contains a character (Sithandra) who has hands for feet? It’s as goofy as it sounds.
As mentioned above, the cast is stacked with talent that includes Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, Marton Csokas, Sophie Okonedo, and Pete Postlethwaite. Sadly, the lifeless story wastes all of their talent. Not even a stunningly sexy Theron can make this watchable.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? While not flawless, this is a respectable upgrade from the Blu-ray.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect an active 5.1 track that really comes alive during the shootouts and action scenes.
Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* Commentary by Gale Anne Hurd and Charlize Theron and commentary by writers Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay.
* 5 featurettes about the animated series, world building, stunts, locations, costume design, and set photography.
* Theatrical trailer and previews.
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