“District 9″ is the best summer sci-fi action movie of 2009… a great way to escape from reality.

This isn’t a movie that will win or even get nominated for any of the main Oscar categories, but… it is powerful, gripping, intense, unique, visually stunning, and full of action.

“R” rating – parents/weak stomachs beware: lots of violence, graphic death scenes, etc.
 
  (Spoiler-free !!)

“District 9” is a successful cross between “Cloverfield”, “Independence Day”, “Transformers”, “Alien”, “Signs”, and “2001: A Space Odyssey”.   But its also not completely like any of those science-fiction classics… just the imaginative qualities of all of them… with a great mix of action and drama.

The ”Cloverfield”-esque style of shooting like a documentary may bother some, but the filmmakers made a wise choice of not using the style for every shot or through the entire movie.   The alien ship over the city has the modern feel of “Independence Day” without the typical cliche invasion that follows.   The movie’s high-tech futuristic elements are like “Transformers” without the potentially confusing backstory and product placement.  The focus on one character’s amazing efforts in extraordinary situations is reminiscent of “Alien”, but it is set mostly outdoors and not borderline-horror.  It has the world is watching/media perspective of “Signs” without the late reveal of the aliens that makes them a little corny.   It wisely samples the isolationism of man, humanity versus technology, and futurism in “2001: A Space Odyssey”.

“District 9″ wastes little time explaining the backstory and setting up “where we are”, this movie shows the aliens early so there’s no struggling with what some may see as an odd/goofy look.  The aliens are humanized in a way that may have you both cringing at them and worrying for them at the same time.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

This movie is a visual monster that keeps its momentum to the very end and a storyline that will keep you watching from one climatic moment to another… I give it 9.0 out of 10.

 “District 9”

(2009) (rated: R for bloody violence and pervasive language)
(1 hr, 52 min)

Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, Vanessa Haywood, Marian Hooman

Director: Neill Blomkamp

Genre: Sci-Fi/Action/Thriller/Drama

The Plot: An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth suddenly find a kindred spirit in a government agent that is exposed to their biotechnology.

So what did you think?  Please post a comment!

.
“District 9” poster courtesy Tri-Star

 ** CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER MOVIE REVIEWS **

 Follow my updates on twitter: http://twitter.com/aaronlafferty

Add to your RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/woodtv8-blogs-laff-at-the-movies?format=html

YouTube Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=WOODTV8&view=videos&query=laff+at+the+movies