TriStar Pictures / McClatchy Tribune
“District 9â€Â offers more than the usual sci-fi flick
In “District 9” the formula is perfect for a textbook alien invasion movie: a spaceship camps out above Johannesburg, South Africa and terror ensues.
The difference here — the aliens are not the bad guys.
Produced by Peter Jackson of “Lord of the Ringsâ€Â fame, “District 9â€Â begins as a would-be documentary and shifts gears to a more stylized science fiction film.
At the start of the movie we learn the spaceship did not embark on Johannesburg by choice, but stalled above South Africa more than two decades ago, transporting millions of malnourished aliens with no place to call home.
Multi-National United (MNU), a private-interest group, is tasked with moving the aliens from their refugee camp (District 9) to a new location outside of the city.
Mild-mannered Wikus Van Der Merwe, played brilliantly by relatively unknown actor Sharlto Copley, is leading the move.
Director Neill Blomkamp, who co-wrote the screenplay, does a fantastic job of creating an authentically gritty environment complete with dirty politics, back-alley gangs and alien/human prostitution.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its depiction of the aliens, or “prawns,â€Â as they are insultingly called. Unlike other movies of the genre, the aesthetics of the creatures prove to be both unique and realistic — a cross between a machine and a crustacean.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that MNU is more interested in the aliens̢۪ weaponry than their well-being. Appalling experiments are covertly done on the creatures in an effort to unleash the secret to operating their artillery.
The real threat throughout the movie is not the aliens, but the human beings living among them. The lengths to which MNU̢۪s top officials are willing to go for financial gain are by far the most menacing part of the film.
“District 9â€Â challenges the science fiction genre by questioning who the real enemy is. It is a suspenseful, yet intelligent film worth checking out.
Maxx22 • Oct 23, 2009 at 3:45 am
This is yet another demonstration of Spain’s enduring commitment to the values and the mission of the United Nations. ,
Maxx22 • Oct 23, 2009 at 10:45 am
This is yet another demonstration of Spain’s enduring commitment to the values and the mission of the United Nations. ,
Babysitting Jobs • Sep 8, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I actually thought that this film had quite a few problems, the most evident of which was the fact that the movie never explained why the alien ship came to our planet in the first place, nor why all the intelligent aliens died off, save 1. I thought that the movie also had quite an agenda, the opening monologue being filled with scenes fairly descriptive of the civil rights movement of last century in America. Other than that though, I agree with your review, and very well written, besides. You cover a lot of good points.
Babysitting Jobs • Sep 9, 2009 at 3:33 am
I actually thought that this film had quite a few problems, the most evident of which was the fact that the movie never explained why the alien ship came to our planet in the first place, nor why all the intelligent aliens died off, save 1. I thought that the movie also had quite an agenda, the opening monologue being filled with scenes fairly descriptive of the civil rights movement of last century in America. Other than that though, I agree with your review, and very well written, besides. You cover a lot of good points.
annabel • Sep 4, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I love sci-fi and I’m intrigued after reading Angelica’s review – I definitely want to see the film.
annabel • Sep 5, 2009 at 12:18 am
I love sci-fi and I’m intrigued after reading Angelica’s review – I definitely want to see the film.
Aleks Mats • Sep 3, 2009 at 6:58 pm
While I wouldn’t quite call it a garbage film, I don’t think District 9 is a good movie. It’s not horrible, but it’s no more than OK. In my opinion it comes across as a clumsy allegory on apartheid, full of cliches and comic-book pseudoscience, as well as overwhelmed by action that fails to advance the plot. Had this been a more stylized movie, these issues could have been overlooked, but as it is presented as a “realistic” pseudo-documantary, it just ends up looking silly.
Aleks Mats • Sep 4, 2009 at 1:58 am
While I wouldn’t quite call it a garbage film, I don’t think District 9 is a good movie. It’s not horrible, but it’s no more than OK. In my opinion it comes across as a clumsy allegory on apartheid, full of cliches and comic-book pseudoscience, as well as overwhelmed by action that fails to advance the plot. Had this been a more stylized movie, these issues could have been overlooked, but as it is presented as a “realistic” pseudo-documantary, it just ends up looking silly.
Jessica • Sep 2, 2009 at 10:23 pm
cheers!
Jessica • Sep 3, 2009 at 5:23 am
cheers!
EWW • Sep 2, 2009 at 1:10 pm
garbage film
EWW • Sep 2, 2009 at 8:10 pm
garbage film
Mike Nunes • Sep 2, 2009 at 11:06 am
Angelica Cano really knows what she is writing about.
Mike Nunes • Sep 2, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Angelica Cano really knows what she is writing about.
Denise • Sep 2, 2009 at 9:42 am
This is a very well written review. It makes me want to run out and see the movie.
Denise • Sep 2, 2009 at 4:42 pm
This is a very well written review. It makes me want to run out and see the movie.