Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
As I tweeted earlier, I had to gather my thoughts after seeing District 9. The movie is intense. It’s violent and bloody/gory, but it is ABSOLUTELY fascinating. This is hard-edged sci-fi that is quite unlike anything I have seen before. I went into this film having seen the trailer, but it really doesn’t tell you much at all. Now, this isn’t for the squeamish as it is bloody, very bloody. Also, don’t expect to see any actors you’re familiar with as the movie has to my eye all fresh talent. This isn’t an issue at all as the characters all come to life quite well and you’re quickly engrossed in the story and their lives.
The action occurs entirely in Johannesburg, South Africa which is also where the filming was done. The setting was perfect as I think the use of a non-US city contributed to the appealing look of the film. The videography is a combination of clean footage along with grainy handicam or TV type footage, but it isn’t overly used or distracting. I’ll also say that is modeled after a documentary style film, but that works for it here. If you pay attention, the interviews foreshadow some of what is to come, but the journey and the final realization make the whole ~2 hours completely worthwhile…
I really don’t want to say much else as I think this is a flick that should be watched with little to no knowledge at all. I went back and watched the trailer again and it now seems very revealing to me having seen the film.
So, in short, get out there and go see this flick if the blood & gore won’t bother you and you’d like to see a VERY interesting sci-fi film.
