District 9 Film review!

Blustering with an incredible first time lead actor, an intriguing story, and fantastic special effects, District 9 soars to incredible heights as one of the must see films of the decade.

29-year old South African born newcomer Neill Blomkamp proves he has all the makings of the next Spielberg with his uncompromising and unique vision. Utilizing a structure that is both standard cinema and also documentary, Blokamp effectively combines both styles to present a science fiction story that not only has great action but also timeless ideas about immigration and humanity.

The film tells the tale of one Wikus van der Merwe (a brilliant newcomer name Sharlto Copley), a field operative working for MNU, the private company tasked with maintaining the government camp "District 9", where lost alien refugees and their ship have been held for the past 20 years in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Wikus is promoted by his father in law in MNU to run an operation where all the "Prawn" (a derogatory term for the aliens) refugees would be moved out of Johannesburg and into a new camp outside of the city, away from the protesting public who has had enough of the alien presence in their city. While he inspects the slums of the rotting district, he becomes infected with a bioweapon that begins to affect his DNA in ways he cannot imagine, eventually leading to him being on the run from MNU agents and Nigerian gangsters.

The film is a non-stop thriller from beginning to end, and it's break neck pace will keep you riveted for it's 112 minute runtime. Producer Peter Jackson (of Lord of the Rings and King Kong fame), allows Blomkamp to run wild, taking risks in a summer blockbuster not seen since the likes of the Dark Knight last year. The character of Wikus is selfish, cowardly, and self-centered, and the film rarely chooses to hide that. The idea to run with an unlikable main character, one which we alternate in sympathy for throughout the film, is a strong move, as is the conscious choice to leave some ideas and explanations to the audiences imagination. Unlike certain blockbusters this summer, District 9 trusts it's audience to fill in the blanks when explanation isn't needed in order to service and make the best possible story that they could. The special effects themselves (rendered by Image Engine in Vancouver, Canada),are seamless, and again, unlike most blockbusters, are used to service the story, rather than distract from it. The Prawn creatures are among some of the best rendered creatures since Gollum in Lord of the Rings, and will hopefully be recognized by the Academy next Spring.

Exciting from beginning to end, the only flaw in District 9 is that it leaves you aching for more once you leave the theatre. It stands well enough on it's own as a great science fiction film, but the ideas for sequels will no doubt be lingering in the minds of audiences once they leave the theater. Nevertheless, the ideas and suspense of the film are what make District 9 a highly memorable time at the movies, and is among one of the best films of the year.

By Jeff Butler