A Good Idea That Wasn't Well Executed

Rating: 4/10 (10 June 2010)

Unlike many people, I was disappointed with this movie. The extended documentary-like opening (which, in many ways, ran through the whole movie) was too much. It might have served a purpose if it had been a brief way of introducing the basic story, but to film a movie largely in this fashion certainly detracted from the development of the main characters. You certainly feel sympathy for the aliens in general, and even for Wikus eventually, but it takes a while to develop that, which made this seem like little more than watching CNN coverage of a major news event. You watch to see what's happening, but you're not really drawn into the story. By the time the end came, although sympathy was developing for both Wikus and his new alien friend Christoper, the movie took on a certain comic-book feel as Wikus dons the alien suit and takes on the appearance of a sort of alien super-hero. It didn't work that well, and actually felt a bit silly.
There were aspects of the story, mind you, that would have been interesting had they been better developed. It was very interesting to see a movie depicting aliens arriving on earth not as evil conquerors but as pathetic refugees - and everything about them seemed pathetic, as they were forced to live in slum-like conditions in what was essentially an internment camp, denied any basic right, and having their needs exploited by the less savoury elements of South African society (where the movie was set) - although I found myself wondering why there was such a focus on "Nigerian" gangs? Why Nigeria? The movie effectively puts a new spin on the desperate plight of all refugees by making these refugees aliens. Still, the movie didn't really capture me. It was an interesting idea, but I didn't find it particularly well executed.