Saturday, August 29, 2009

Could it be? It was thought impossible….

Wow. This is it. This is what every science fiction buff has been waiting for. “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” eat your heart out! The best science fiction movie in decades is here, and it is “District 9.”
This time, let’s do quick plot synopsis, since the plot is actually WORTH talking about with this one.
“District 9” tells the story of a race of aliens known as Prawns, who came to earth 28 years ago. Their ship parked over not Chicago or New York, but Johannesburg. The ship just hovers there for a while, and eventually, the humans decide to cut into the ship, where they discover the aliens within are not evil things wanting to destroy us, nor are they advanced beings come to share their knowledge with us. They are refugees, the last surviving members of their race. We decide to shelter them in a slum outside Johannesburg known as District 9. Eventually, the “wow” factor wears off, and the situation is handed over to Multi-National United, a private corporation more concerned with the aliens’ weaponry than their well-being. This is where we meet our human lead, Wikus van der Merwe. He is charged with the task of moving the aliens out of District 9 and relocating them somewhere else. Somewhere worse. While looking through one of the alien’s shacks, he comes across a small canister, which sprays out a mysterious fluid. And that’s all we’ll say here. Let’s not spoil it for the uninitiated.
“District 9” is a true science fiction film. Not the space opera offered from “Star Trek” or the explosion-fest offered from “Transformers.” The idea of having on or two outrageous concepts, and the rest is all down-to-earth. Not only that, but it’s good science fiction. The story is fantastic. It draws you in with this fascinating look at a theoretical world of aliens and humans, where the awe we might have once had at these creatures has long since turned to disgust. Where the aliens themselves are as lost and confused as an average human would be if he or she were stuck on some far off planet. Then, it gradually changes to the story of two families, Wikus and his wife, and the alien Christopher, and his son. And then, it changes again, into a thrilling action-adventure. It all blends together to create something no one has seen before, and it is spectacular.
The acting deserves equal props. Sharlto Copley gives a great turn as Wikus. Especially considering this is his first acting job. His performance is very believable, and it makes you care for someone you shouldn’t.
The effects. Would you believe this was made for 30 million dollars? Believe it. In a day and age where most blockbusters cost 100+ million, and sometimes don’t even look that good, this film has brilliant effects for less than half that.
There are not enough good things that can be said about this film. Go see it. Now. This is it, what we’ve all been waiting for. A great, original, and in some ways, revolutionary science fiction film for this generation. At long last, we have our “Terminator.”

For my overall rating, I give “District 9” a perfect five Godzillas

No comments:

Post a Comment