Would've been better with models instead of CGI

So I just watched this film for the first time a few weeks ago.

And I have to say, the decision to use CGI instead of models seemed to exclusively be about the FX people wanting to show off their new toys and be like, "Look what we can do!" In fact, the whole film came off as more of an effects demo than it did a good, complete, logical story.

If they had used physical models, like the Star Wars and Star Trek films were doing, then not only would everything have looked better but the decision might have also provided for some thrilling battle sequences that are conspicuously missing from the final product.

But alas, I guess CGI had to start somewhere, and the use of CGI in the film is interesting as a historical footnote if nothing else.