An average action sci-fi film with some special effects

Rating: 5/10 (30 May 2016)

I was inspired to watch this film after seeing good reviews and watching the trailer, but it left me quite disappointed.
First of all, I think the director did an average job. There are many scenes where he took the easiest way possible. First, incorporating a literal context presentation into a dialogue instead of subtly conveying a message and letting the viewers figure it out. Second, unrealistic reactions of extras. Third, plot holes and incomplete background story (which I could talk about in more detail, but don't want to spoil).
Also, I was completely unconvinced by the main actor. He seemed irrational, out of context, and also making primitive choices regarding dialogue and reaction to surroundings. If it was a comedy his acting could have made more sense, but it would still make an average comedy (also, weird considering that he would have been the only actor in the film playing in comedy genre).
It all started to fall into place when after watching the film I learned that it was an expansion of a short film. This was the first Neill Blomkamp's full-feature film. The same is true about Sharlto Copley as well. Considering this, it's a really good attempt at a first full-feature (remember Emmerich's "Moon 44"), but it is far from being a cinematic sci-fi masterpiece.