Different, but Good

Rating: 9/10 (14 August 2009)

OK, let's pretend that aliens arrive on earth, and for some strange reason don't immediately want to destroy us. what would most likely happen then? the answer is: probably what happened in this movie.
despite the fact that this movie was about aliens, i found it extremely realistic. the entire time i was watching, i never found a single moment that made me think: "oh that'd never happen in real life..." that, in addition to the almost 'documentary' type style of filming, made the entire situation seem highly believable. in my opinion, the movie accurately portrayed the anger, fear, and prejudice that people tend to show when they don't properly understand something, as well as the politics and manipulation used by others to gain influence in rough situations like these.
On that note, despite the movie's focus on sending a message, the action was still plentiful, and very well done at that.(and let's just say it was rated R for a reason). But while most movies are remembered either for their special effects OR their plot, this movie managed to pull off both. In the end, it was definitely more than just another sci-fi flick.
(unfortunately, as i was leaving the theater, i heard too many ignorant people criticize the movie's attempt to show them something more than just mindless action and violence. hopefully that was just the group i ran into, and not what most people were thinking)