Much like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), the premise of Aeon Flux is unbelievable but entertaining nonetheless. The image of Aeon is another statement of ultimate girl power, being both sexual and powerful.
The story begins in the year 2415, four centuries after a fatal virus wiped out 99% of the world's population until inventor Trevor Goodchild (Marton Csokas) found a cure. The remaining survivors were taken to the walled-in city of Bregna to protect them from further harm. Aeon Flux tells about the utopian city of Bregna that, underneath the surface, is not utopian at all. The city is ruled by chairman Trevor Goodchild and his brother Oren (Jonny Lee Miller), who control their society through constant surveillance and armed forces. There are unexplained disappearances in Bregna and the people have mysterious dreams of non-existent pasts.
Although most of the population abides by the rules, there are a small number of those who refuse to follow. This group is called the Monicans, of which Aeon Flux (Charlize Theron) is a member. After Aeon's sister Una (Amelia Warner) is killed by Bregna's militia, Aeon is assigned to assassinate Trevor.
This colorful and imaginative sci-fi was reminiscent, to me, of Demolition Man. Bregna was like Los Angeles' future in Demolition Man because of its similar stances on a utopia. In both cities, there is a strict code of law in exchange for clean streets and safe neighborhoods. Of course, head officials are allowed to act in exception to the law. But there are also rebels who disagree with the established rules, and who fight for their freedom. When one sees the world through their eyes, then it is clear what is wrong with the city.
I was especially entertained by the film's creativity of the future. By the year 2415, people have pills that can deliver messages from person to person. When worn, body suits can transport people to secret rooms. And in the future, people can have operations to get another set of hands as feet!
As an action film and sci-fi adventure, Aeon Flux was simply good. Theron's character was pleasantly sexy, sleek and skillful much like its original based on the animated series from MTV's Liquid Television.
Kristin's Grade: B
Director: Karyn Kusama
Screenwriters: Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi
Based on: characters created by Peter Chung
Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
Running Time: 102 minutes
Rated: PG-13 (for sequences of violence and sexual content)
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