The simple fact is the producers of the film did want to give this movie a strong feminist message, I don't think that is even up for debate. That is why they hired a famous and outspoken female activist to consult on the film. If there is anyone making a valid argument that the film doesn't have an strong feminist message I have yet to see it. Every feminist I have read is celebrating the film for it.

It is their movie and they can make it anyway they want but when it gets to the point that I start noticing it in the first viewing of the film I think it is to much for what should be an action film. If it was a concept film like In Time then yes make it over the top but action adventure films really don't need it and rarely benefit from it. This movie was just OK in part because the forgot they were making an action film and placed political agendas before plot. That is why it came in second to Pitch Perfect. Hardy is a good actor so I have to believe he played the part the way it was written, damaged and less interesting than the hot chick from Bitten. She is hot and she played the part well. That and great special effects are what kept it from being a bad movie.

Just to be clear my real problem is the movie was weaker than it should have been and I think politics over plot played a role in the meritocracy but I could happily have accepted the politics if the movie had been better. Hollywood is full of left wing nutters who got rich playing make believe and who have never been held accountable for their actions so left wing politics in movies is to be expected but not to the point where it hurts the movie. He screwed up Happy Feet the same way. Couldn't just make a great kids movie but had to piss all over it with in your face political messages that ruined the ending and had my kids wondering away looks for something interesting.