Don't mind the critics, the source material is where most concepts in modern/recent movies and stories that are set in a dystopian future are derived from. The manga (graphic novel) just didn't go as noticed as some of it's contemporaries of it's time, such as Akira, Ghost in the Shell etc. and the movie just took a while to create, due to the IP owner (James Cameron) putting it off until the technology was available to bring his vision to life.
Loved this movie. I went in the movie house feeling cautiously optimistic and went out being a fan. Action/Visuals: 10/10, Music: 9/10 Story: 7/10. Overall 9/10. A must see, especially in 3D Imax to really see the movie as it was intended by the director and producer.
Go see it!