An enthralling spectacle

Rating: 9/10 (21 December 2009)

An engaging, enthralling, well-written, inspiring, and thoroughly entertaining feature-film that is as intent on telling a story as it is on wowing you with spectacular images and special effects. A particularly endearing aspect of this movie is its thematic focus(environmentalism, mercenary corporations, and the downside of avarice) and its tasteful application of science-fiction clichés while inventing a few of its own. Its groundbreaking implementation of photo-realistic CGI and good-ole surround sound result in a truly immersive experience and just like the protagonist one's awareness of his surroundings is amplified and one's perception of the real is shaken. The only let-down is the score which while adequate, isn't as memorable as the rest of the film. And best of all is how these elements coalesce to make a sci-fi film that stays true to its genre by enthralling and raising pertinent questions, while also providing an engaging and cathartic story.