Neill Blomkamp

Overall, a well made movie. The biggest drawback was turning it into a formulaic "hollywood"-style movie to try to make it more interesting and twice having the hero pull through at just the last minute. That actually made it a worse movie. Let it be a little more "boring" and maybe closer to real life. I'm curious how much the movie matches the process of the real life story. The credits included photos of the real-life person with the actor, in comparison, which I enjoyed and was well show more done. Had some of the vibe of "Ford v Ferrari" with the ending race of both movies on the Le Mans, France track.
— Rebecca show less

I genuinely am baffled by this film -- I can't find a single thing about it I have an issue with, and yet it somehow feels a bit bland every time I watch. The pacing is fine, the plot is pretty good, there are a bunch of good actors, reasonably interesting characters, great set pieces, decent action, and a good moral lesson core that doesn't feel hamfisted or forced. But it just doesn't suck me in as it is supposed to. Something about it just doesn't gel quite right for me, and I cannot show more pinpoint what. Oh well. It's a pretty fun science fiction adventure with some substance, so even with the slight blandness issue I keep finding with it, it's an enjoyable watch. show less

A million aliens stranded on Earth are kept in a South African slum.

Strange - the first time I saw it, I thought it was a great, if flawed, movie. But now, I'm wondering what I saw in it. I had written that it was "lots of fun" and "entertaining throughout." Now, I find it boring; although it moves quickly, there isn't anything to get me invested in it - probably because I know that after the first five minutes, there aren't going to be any more interesting ideas to look forward to. I had show more also written that it was "very original" and that "you’ve never seen a movie like this before." I guess that's so, but apparently the novelty only stands up to one viewing. I have no doubt that I would like it even less if I were to see it again. And I wrote that "whether or not you think it’s good, it will probably get you thinking and talking about it afterward." This time around, it's got me thinking about how such a great idea for a movie, made without studio interference, manages to fail as spectacularly as it does.

Concept: A
Story: D
Characters: F
Dialog: B
Pacing: B
Cinematography: D
Special effects/design: C
Acting: B
Music: C

Enjoyment: C plus

GPA: 2.1/4 show less

Not all bad, but not exactly watchable either. The little touches, like the interactions of the techs with the damaged robots are actually quite good. But once the movie starts getting dramatic things go down hill. Hugh Jackman was a strange choice for his sinister role.