In the original, Max is transformed from start to end into a blockbuster hero and saviour. Several issues and secondary plots weaken the cyberpunk aspect and the "fighting for your life" attitude. In this version, Max only wants to survive and save his life at all costs. He was the direct cause of all events and tries to fix them.

Neill Blompkamp's follow up to District 9 was something of a let down. While the visuals were stunning, the story and the characters felt a bit flat. The film's message about the conflict between the upper and lower classes as well as immigration issues was very, quite extremely, in-your-face. In addition, Jodie Foster's Delacourt twirled her mustache just a little too often. Her character may have been a "well-intentioned extremist" for her part, but there was never any doubts about who you wanted to come out on top at the end.