, and I thought it would be worthwhile to share my thoughts about it. 
The movie explores themes of racism, apartheid (hence the setting in South Africa), and corporate greed/corruption, among other things. The film provides an interesting take on the racially-based themes, because it has never before been attempted (to my knowledge) with the premise of racism-against-aliens. A few of the central characters are explored fairly well, particularly the main character; however, I didn't like him at first, so investing myself emotionally in his plight didn't come naturally at first. Yet, his situation is so compelling that it draws you in nonetheless. I especially like the exploration of some of the alien personalities and their interaction with humans.
There were some downsides to the movie. A few major plot points didn't make sense. From what I know of biology, I doubt an egg-laying species would have any sense of family. Strategically speaking, I don't understand why the paramilitary force kept trying to use small-caliber weapons (and dying in the process) when obviously they weren't working. And one major plot point didn't make sense to me, though I can't reveal what it is without providing spoilers. If it was just a mindless action movie, I could deal with these problems. But it invites you to start thinking, at least about the social issues, and then disappoints when you start to think about plot holes.
Overall, the movie provides a unique take on an issue I thought had been explored completely. The positives outweigh the negatives, and I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
Chicks.
ReplyDeleteParent birds spend months feeding their chickies and teaching them to fly before they leave home. Mother ducks are very fussy over their little ones - the ducklings are absolutely inseparable from their mothers for a long time, and will form lasting attachments to adult birds they know as littles. Parent geese will happily attack over their goslings, and penguins will care for their chicks incredibly carefully - all that balancing them on their feet wrapped up in their nice warm blubber and such. And penguins live in huge families.
Besides which, anything we can think of aliens is relevant to our own experience of the world. Who knows that an alien might not lay eggs, then care for and love their young?
Just sayin'. I know what you mean about the big spoiler one, though.