2009 Oscar Nominees - District 9  
| I'm going to try to keep this short and sweet. I can't really add much else to what has already been said about this amazing movie, so most of this will just reiteration. District 9 is definitely a must see movie. It is probably best to experience it on the big screen so you can see every little detail and genius CGI work in full blown picture. There is nothing better then witnessing a phenomenon first hand.
I don't really want to discuss the plot because its best to see it unfold for yourself. I'm sure you obviously know its about aliens that have come to Earth. What makes District 9 so original is the way it portrays these aliens. I took my mom to this movie (as she is a big time space and alien lover) but she said she was disappointed. There were a number of things that bothered her but one of the main ones was that the aliens weren't scary enough. Well that's just it though. District 9 turns that stereotype on its head. These aliens aren't here for world domination, they just want to go home. Their mothership happened to stop where it did and they couldn't leave. It was such an interesting dynamic to actually feel sorry for the aliens for once.
There were a number of heart breaking scenes with the aliens; two in particular that stick out. When the father (or mother) alien was showing it's son the brochure for "District 10." It was such a powerful moment as I'm sure that happens all the time (for humans obviously). The second was in the basement of the MNU building when the alien saw what was being done to other aliens. The way it just stood there under fire was insanely emotional. Those two scenes are just a sampling of the many great scenes in this movie. That kid alien was so damn cute too.
I'm sure a lot has been said about the CGI and the budget. In case you don't know, District 9 was made for $30 million. That is mind blowing considering G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra was made for $175 million and the CGI was pure crap. Everything in this movie looked and felt real. You don't really think that its CGI because it feels so authentic. If District 9 isn't nominated for a Best Visual Effects Oscar, then there is some serious issues going on inside that Academy.
Sharlto Copley plays the lead role of Wikus Van De Merwe. He does such an excellent job that I'm amazed this was his first gig. Of course its always a benefit to being friends with the director. What's even more impressive is that a lot of the movie was improvised. Some of the acting was questionable but that is such a minor piece to the overall puzzle that it is easily overlooked. Hell, even the aliens showed more emotion then some actors currently working in Hollywood.
I personally love this documentary style of film making. There are the obvious comparisons to last years Cloverfield, but District 9 switches between footage and real time. It was an interesting blend, but a blend that I think worked well. It was almost seamless which is a testament to the editing team. The dark gritty style of the actual district is brilliantly and fully imagined. Of course it feels that way because the film was actually shot in a real Johannesburg slum. The film is thoroughly engaging right from the opening moments. We are thrust into a short history lesson about what has been going on and where we are headed. The film never lets up right until the last moments. Because of the documentary feel, it seriously almost felt real at times. Some of the footage seemed so real, like when the humans first board the mothership. Some incredible images were captured and put on film.
District 9 is a fully realized film that has all its ideas flushed out for the world to see. It has a great, (mostly) original story that is told extremely well. Just enough is thrown at you that there is never a dull moment. It's not some mindless action sci-fi film for the average film goer. Be prepared to actually think about what you are seeing and relate it to the real world. The social message is loud and clear. District 9 is a truly rare gem of a movie that doesn't come along often so soak it up while you can. Congratulations to Neill Blomkamp and Peter Jackson for making such an unforgettable film.
So maybe that was a little longer then short and sweet, but when I get going on a movie I love, I can't stop. I could go on and on but its best if you just go see the damn movie!
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