How do I put this... I appreciated the attempt?
I don't think there was a problem with the plot itself, but there's something about the Major being so "vulnerable." She didn't show any leadership qualities, intuition, or intellect. There was no explanation for section nine, and there was next to no character development for the team. This movie focused too much on Scarjo and not enough on world building.
I think the story beats would've went over better if it showed the team putting the pieces together instead of it just falling in their lap. We didn't need Major's inner struggles for the whole movie, it should've been an undertone that eventually built up to the twist.
Compared to the anime/movies Major has a personality, she hand picked her team and that team is completely loyal to her. She always gave me that feeling that she knew more than she was letting on. This movie did not capture her character at all if anything she felt weak and uncertain.
The existentialist questions that the original brought up was squandered and thrown into your face the entire movie. What should have been thought provoking ended up being cringeworthy because they're so blunt instead of letting those questions and feelings arrive naturally from the plot.
Ultimately it's a visual sci-fi treat which we haven't had many of lately. I definitely recommend a matinee or if you don't want to blow $20-30 on a potentially polarizing movie wait until it's available for rental.