Interesting, but somehow manages to be 2D

Rating: 7/10 (3 April 2010)

There are a lot of good qualities to this movie, no doubt. From stunning 3D visual effects and a world of wonder plucked straight from what seems like a drug induced daydream, to amazing action scenes and a complex social-religious context.
However, digging a little deeper reveals that this is the (albeit dazzling) facade used to divert us away from the biggest failure of this movie, which is its attempt to 'cherry-pick' the best aspects from all the classic sci-fi movies, such as Aliens, Star Wars, The Matrix, et al.
That being said, if you're a younger viewer, or have have never seen those mentioned, you will probably be able to get past what is almost intellectual theft being presented as something original and innovative, as far as storyline goes.
But in all honesty, I didn't go to watch this movie for its storyline, I went to see the 'shiny stuff'. And it's a good thing to, as many have commented that there are political undercurrents to this plot, if you choose to look for them, or even when you don't and they are waved in your face like the little flying dude in the 3D intro.
Altogether, this will probably be regarded as a classic to future generations, but really, it's something of a Frankenstein's Monster to me.