Based on the animated series that first aired on MTV over ten
years ago, Aeon Flux stars Charlize Theron as the title character, a lethal
assassin who lives in a high tech society four hundred years in the future. In
2011, a plague has wiped out the majority of the human race. Yet a small
percentage of the population manages to survive thanks to an antidote created by
Trevor Goodchild. The survivors live in a walled city named Bregna, isolated
from the rest of the planet, which has been reclaimed by nature. But this
society is not without its problems. Ruled by the Goodchild dynasty for several
centuries now, Bregna has become afflicted with terror when citizens start
disappearing without any explanation or even an acknowledgement of the problem
by the government. This situation, which is only growing worse, sparks an
underground rebellion known as the Monicans.
Main Review Page | SF Reviews |Email Me |Buy This DVD Right Here!
After Aeon, who is one of the best agents working for the Monicans, completes a
sabotage mission within the city’s computer, she
discovers the shocking news that her sister Uma has been killed, shot to death
at close range while standing right in her own doorway. This is no coincidence
to Aeon, who feels strongly that the Goodchild government was behind Uma’s death
as revenge for Aeon’s actions. When Aeon receives a special mission from Handler
(Theron’s North Country co-star Frances McDormand) to assassinate Chairman
Goodchild, she gladly takes the assignment. Yet this mission turns out to be far
harder for Aeon to complete than she can ever imagine. 
Aeon Flux was probably one of the most hated films of 2005, with some critics
comparing it to Halle Berry’s Catwoman movie in terms of a bad career move on
the part of an Oscar-winning actress. And so I was prepared for a real dog when
I popped the DVD into the player. Yet now that I’ve seen it, I’ve got to say
that while it’s far from being a modern masterpiece of the American cinema, Aeon
Flux really isn’t as bad as I’ve heard. Part of the problem is that while casual
movie fans were no-doubt scared off by the film’s freaky depiction of the future,
the film also takes some liberties with the storyline of Peter Chung’s original
animated series, which alienated many die-hard fans. 
But the movie, taken strictly on its own, is an entertaining romp, with the
production design and special effects (as well as Theron herself) providing some
nice eye candy. Theron is extremely appealing as Aeon, and she makes the film fun to watch.
There are two sets of commentaries on the DVD, one with Theron
and producer Gale Anne Hurd, and the other with the film’s screenwriters. There
are also several "making of" features, and a trailer, making this a decent DVD
to own overall. Die hard fans of Peter Chung’s animated series will want to
avoid this film, but if you’re an SF fan who’s looking for something a little
different than the usual space battles, then give Aeon Flux a try. --SF