Average Sci-Fi Flick

Rating: 7/10 (21 August 2009)

Just because a movie is filmed in a Documentary format, does not make it a great movie. If you just go by what formulas movie makers go by, this movie has everything. They could have explained more about the Aliens so perceived plots holes would not annoy the audience. However, in general, no one really cares about the aliens because they look like walking lobsters. The film makers try to humanize them by having the parents protect a baby alien...but again, just because it's a small alien doesn't mean we have to like him.
The main character is really a bad..bad person. We are to believe this guy, who looks like a low level manager, is going to be charge of a mass migration of the prawn to another camp. Except, there are 1.8 million of them and he's going door-to-door to evict them...ugh. He clearly has no morals when it comes to the aliens. I found it very annoying when is he asked to shoot one later in the film that he has a problem with it based on the fact he killed several baby prawn earlier in the film (in a quite nasty way). He's also a mass killer of government employees (his direct colleagues in some cases). Again, just not a guy you are going to root for too much.
The actor who plays him is a nobody and that carries over to the character. He's actually hard to understand sometimes with his heavy South African accent.
His infection with alien DNA is believable, but the fact what infected him is a fuel source that can power ships is not so believable. DNA cannot do everything and it's not silly putty.
I do like the alien weaponry and the DNA on/off switch (ala Stargate TV series). Some pretty cool effects and those scenes are quite enjoyable to watch.
Overall, I do like the action and pace of the film. I enjoy Alien visits Earth movies, but this comes off as Alien Nation meets The Fly. I give it a 7/10 because of its uniqueness. Remember that 7/10 in the real world is a C- ;)
There is no way this is better than let's say, Alien or Aliens.
Would I recommend it in a theater? Yes, a matinÃ©e priced showing.