If you're seeing this film for the social commentary...

Rating: 5/10 (5 September 2009)

I am a HUGE sci-fi fan and was VERY excited to see this film.
D-I-S-A-P-P-O-I-N-T-E-D!!! To the film's defense, the media did the greatest disservice to this film. They should have focused on the creative direction of Neill Blomkamp, Special Effects, Art direction and the stand-out performance of Sharlto Copley.
Instead, reviewers referenced the film's S. African setting, trying to make social commentary on contemporary conditions- but there were no relationships to the conditions on which to build a commentary.
Bringing attention to the current conditions in Soeto? Why should one care if there were no sympathetic relationships between the locals and the Aliens. I was just left with a bad taste in my mouth and the ugly reality of what any underclass society does- pick on the new guy. Because of this, as a viewer I was NOT SYMPATHETIC to the people who REALLY have to live there. So, in that respect the film fails completely.
Yes, sci-fi has been used to shine the light on delicate subjects but in this case, it's NOT the case. If you see the film, go for the aforementioned reasons ONLY (direction, effects, performance)- then you will NOT be disappointed.