Visually stunning, but clichéd and tedious plot and dialog.

Rating: 4/10 (22 December 2009)

PROs: visually stunning. Breathtaking special effects. Wonderfully detailed alien world
CONs: storyline cobbled from Apocalypto, Dances With Wolves and The Last Samurai. Alien dress and culture very closely modelled on Aztec/Inca culture, with the exception of the music which sounds surprisingly like African roots music. Clunking dialog. More holes in the plot than my underpants; note to commanding officer - if you are going to destroy the Tree of Souls, consider spraying napalm over a 50 click area and apply naked flame. Alternatively, drop a large rock on it from 30,000 ft from the shuttle. Also, why send in ground troops when the mission to destroy the Tree of Souls is predominantly an aerial assault?
SUMMARY: Wonderful concept and realisation of an alien world culture are no substitute for a coherent plot and decent dialog. Opportunity missed. 4/10.