A revolutionary film with contemporary allusions, "District 9" is both action-movie intense and dramatically thought-provoking. The director, Neill Blomkamp, takes a cast of unknown actors (to American audiences) and uses them and some very believable CGI creatures to create a surreal modern environment where aliens are real and they need humanity's help. Initially attempting to give humanitarian aid when the extraterrestrial's ship ceases to function, the South African government is pressured into finding a "solution" to the alien problem.
Shot partially in faux documentary, "District 9" is an engrossing film that plunges you into a reality that surprisingly mirrors issues in our own world. The character arc of the government appointed liaison for the alien relocation, Wikus Van de Merwe, is enthralling as he goes from the mouthpiece of the government's officially sanctioned discrimination to a self-serving ally. "District 9" is a movie that leaves you guessing about what the next narrative step will be. The building tension of what will happen to Wikus and his alien conspirators makes the eventual adrenaline release at the end all the more satisfying.
The humanization of the alien creatures that are purposely not cute and cuddly, is an impressive piece of craftsmanship. The performance of Sharlto Copley as Wikus elevates the picture beyond the good premise/so-so execution of popular sci-fi. As worthy a picture as "Avatar" when considering end-of-year awards, it is too bad the movie has thus far been over-shadowed by Cameron’s epic. Filled with surprises and satisfying but not safe resolutions, "District 9" is a breath of fresh air in the thinking man's science fiction genre. It is a picture true cine-philes outside of the sci-fi fanbase should see. A piece of art that deserves a place on any critic's top ten list of 2009.
Rated R for bloody violence and pervasive language.
