Generally good, but could have been better

Rating: 7/10 (23 September 2009)

Overall, I enjoyed this movie. It started well, with the documentary setting the scene for what was to come. I just wish it hadn't wandered off into silliness - starship fuel that turns humans into the aliens? Come on! Then, instead of exploring the moral and ethical implications (which could have been done either with or without the specifically mutagenic fuel) we get a version of Robocop, with guns everywhere. Sure, in this type of science fiction, there should be some fancy technology, including a bit of weapons-play, but I would have liked to have seen something more thoughtful. There is no explanation of why the entire starship has not been explored and investigated down to the smallest detail - the scientists seemed only to be interested in small-arms! And why were the occupants of this starship not involved in humanity's first look at extra-terrestrial technology? OK, there are several possible answers, but none are explored in the film.
Anyway, overall it is good - great acting from Sharlto Copley, and great SFX. Well worth the money to see it.