"Aeon Flux": Flux or Flop? You Decide By Katie Laine Newingham, 12.08.05
Take a futuristic fembot who jumps off ledges forming her body into an aerodynamic missile like shape, and you have the essence of “Aeon Flux.”
In 2011, a disease killed 99 percent of the world’s population. Trevor Goodchild, (Johnny Lee Miller) found a cure for the disease and saved the last inhabitants making his family the leading political party. Four hundred years later, the survivors live in Bregna, a city surrounded by mile high concrete walls to keep the rest of the world’s pollution out.
But not everyone is content with the Goodchild family. Flux (Charlize Theron) joins forces with the secret underground rebel group called the Monicans. The Monicans started a revolt against the Goodchild’s after citizens disappeared at an alarming rate without a trace.
Two political parties becoming at odds is not new to the cinema. But the story behind the political battle is unique and even clever, because nothing is as it seems, and every character is in the dark until the very end.
The plot line takes off when Flux is sent on a mission to kill the Chairman of the leading political party. When Flux encounters Chairman Goodchild she is overwhelmed by a sense that she knows him, and can not carry out her duty. Yet the future of civilization rests on her shoulders.
The film’s director, (Karyn Kusama) was smart to leave out the over-sexualized tones that manifested throughout the Mtv animated television series. But the film is not without sexual tones. It stays true to the storyline of the television show. In one scene, Flux has to take a pill in order to receive her mission. She receives the pill by way of a passionate kiss with a seemingly stranger to avoid exposing herself to the opposing political party.
Theron portrays her role well as a bitter, emotionless woman who is out for revenge. But don’t expect a performance like Theron’s in “Monster” or “North Country.” Her performance is weakened by a minimal script that gives no back story on her character. Like many of her films do, a key social issue is explored. But what carried this film was not brilliant character development, or fabulous performances. This is an action packed film driven by endless special effects, magnificent sets and a beautiful heroine.
Parental guidance suggested for young adults (12-17) Eleven and under shouldn’t see it.
