District 9 / Peter Jackson

[shift]

Anyone looking forward to seeing this?

http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=26309

[spawningblue]

Looks really good, and is probably my most anticipated movie this summer! Nice to see something new and different compared to all the sequels and remakes coming out.

[Shannafey]

I am really interested in this film!! It kind of snuck up on us out of nowhere and hasn't had a lot of press.

[Erick H.]

Looks like I'll have to check this one out.

[aoiookami]

Definitely interested, I really like the angle its taking on the usual invasion story. Definitely going to check it out.

[thrashard76]

Looks decent. I doubt I'll see it in theaters but I'd quite possibly pick it up on DVD if the rest of the film is a good as the trailer.

[Shannafey]

They had the trailer on the head of Terminator. For some reason, the one I watched online blocked out the alien face and it wasn't blocked on the theatrical trailer. I thought that it was supposed to be that way. It really looks cool, but I will most probably watch it on DVD, not in the theatre.

[indiephantom]

No trailer where I saw Terminator. Sounds good, though.

[aoiookami]

They had the trailer on the head of Terminator. For some reason, the one I watched online blocked out the alien face and it wasn't blocked on the theatrical trailer.


I've seen both trailers, the one with the unblocked face has the alien's speech subtitled too. My take on it is with the mosaic/ un-subtitled version the aliens seem like the hostiles, as we dont know what the alien looks like (playing into fear of the unknown) and dont know what it says in response to 'Why dont you leave?' and 'How do your weapons work?'
While the un-mosaiced / subtitled version humans are the hostiles because we see what the alien looks like, and it isnt very terrifying, and can understand it's responses to the questions as 'We cant leave because you have our ship' and 'We mean you no harm'
I think it was a really interesting idea for the trailers.. Or maybe I'm just looking into it too much.

[Shannafey]

I've seen both trailers, the one with the unblocked face has the alien's speech subtitled too. My take on it is with the mosaic/ un-subtitled version the aliens seem like the hostiles, as we dont know what the alien looks like (playing into fear of the unknown) and dont know what it says in response to 'Why dont you leave?' and 'How do your weapons work?'
While the un-mosaiced / subtitled version humans are the hostiles because we see what the alien looks like, and it isnt very terrifying, and can understand it's responses to the questions as 'We cant leave because you have our ship' and 'We mean you no harm'
I think it was a really interesting idea for the trailers.. Or maybe I'm just looking into it too much.

That's a really interesting observation!! You're right, I like it!!

[Cujo108]

Excellent new trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uQGu6p5N18

[othervoice1]

I saw a trailer for this when my son and I went to see Transformers 2 (fun popcorn action flick but was about an hour too long). Anyways I thought this looked really interesting- It definitely had me interested in seeing it

[MorallySound]

Excellent new trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uQGu6p5N18

That new trailer has boosted my interest in this film 10 fold. I really like the idea and portrayal of this film, it's kinda like Alien Nation meets summer blockbuster (but actually seems to have a brain, unlike the generic blockbuster).

[baggio]

Same here. The new trailer peaks my interest more.

But something about the vague first trailer still had me wanting to see the film. Imagine if that was the only trailer to the film. That would be great. Wonder if anybody has the guts to pull that marketing move off. Show very little in a trailer & let the audience be surprised.

[SaviniFan]

Wow, excellent trailer. I'll be giving this a shot in theaters barring an onslaught of negative reviews.

[Fall Break]

Could be cool.....I will be there to see it for sure.

[Grim]

Definitely interested in this. Kind of an alien invasion flick with a sympathetic view of the aliens.

[SaviniFan]

Ok, I've just returned from what is easily the best film I have seen so far this year. I won't go into any spoilers as it is best to just know what you have only seen in the trailers. This movie is fantastic though. From the wonderful direction to the excellent acting, right on to what is some of the best CGI effects I have ever seen in a film. The aliens look completely organic and never cartoonish and out of place. WETA have outdone themselves.

Go see District 9........NOW!

[meljon]

I love this movie! It's excellent science fiction.

[Fall Break]

Was a rockin movie that had aliens and still felt fully athentic. The movie pulled me in and I really wanted more. There is so much going on in this movie it could not be explained in a few paragraphs and justify what it really is.

[CrazyFatEthel]

Well, me and some friends are either seeing this or Julie and Julia.

[NaturesMistake]

Hmmm... New original sci-fi with Verhoeven tendencies? I'm totally in.

[Shannafey]

One of the most original scifi films I've seen in ages. I LOVED IT!! Go see it and go into blindly. Don't read anything about it. Be surprised, be entertained! Great film!

[Erick H.]

I'm gonna catch this next weekend,sounds good.

[vampyr789]

looks awesome!!!!!! my dad, my friend and i are gonna go see this sometime next week, along with Taking Woodstock...btw, which my dad attended way back then :)

[HoldenMcNeil]

One of the best theater experiences I have ever had.

[fattyjoe37]

A very good movie. The audience reaction was great, people were clapping and cheering the whole way through. One of the only must see movies of the summer.

[Franco]

It'll be here in Peru in one or two weeks as most cinema's coming soon web pages show it. I'm pretty interested in watching it. Looks very original and different, kind of a "refreshing movie".

Hey, I read somewhere the director's going to work on a sci-fi epic after District 9. Know anything else about it?

[bigdaddyhorse]

Ok, I've just returned from what is easily the best film I have seen so far this year. I won't go into any spoilers as it is best to just know what you have only seen in the trailers. This movie is fantastic though. From the wonderful direction to the excellent acting, right on to what is some of the best CGI effects I have ever seen in a film. The aliens look completely organic and never cartoonish and out of place. WETA have outdone themselves.

Go see District 9........NOW!


Hell yes. This really wasn't what I expected after seeing the trailers (think I only saw the first one and the TV spots) but it was a masterpiece of Sci-Fi. Don't bother with A Perfect Getaway, that was shit. Everyone here needs to see District 9.

[7dizbust]

Saw this today and was blown away. Best sci-fi movie I've seen in a long time. Works on every level, characters, action, effects and story. Excellent.

[CrazyFatEthel]

Saw this today, one of the best Alien flicks around no doubt. But I do think that is all being a little overhyped...just a tad bit.

PS Wow, my # of posts is 666!!!! :eek:

[rxfiend]

Saw this earlier and loved it. Great story, I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel if one ever gets made.

[Workshed]

Damn, this was a great experience. The effects were outstanding--can't believe that a film like this can do more with effects than a blockbuster like Wolverine.

Solid story, solid performances--especially the expressions on the Prawns. What's interesting is that no one gets a fair shake in the portrayals--the Nigerians come off as thuggish scammers, the humans are all conniving brutes, and the aliens are reduced to slum scavengers. This film isn't concerned with PC portrayals, which is why is was so unsettling. It felt realistic.

I wasn't entirely confident in its "documentary" approach, as the filmmakers had to keep dropping it when the story didn't allow for it, but it never took me too far out of the story. It never stopped being tense--even the initial humor in the beginning was building up to a surprise for the viewers, and I could feel it.

Very successful Sci-Fi summer movie. Deserves the accolades.

[vampyr789]

wow....this movie was amazing in every way it could be. haha me and i friend snuck in (it was so freakin easy too :p) god i loved that part when that bald guy got ripped to pieces, i hated that bastard hahagreat effects, great story, great everything...freaking amazing movie, i hope they make a sequel.

[Cujo108]

Got back from seeing this just awhile ago. Incredible film. An original story that also works as a parable, insane weaponry and scenes of action, superb acting from a first-timer, even if he was a bit annoying at times... It also says something when the effects in a $30 million movie look more organic than those in mega-expensive blockbusters like CGI Joe. The care that went into making this film radiates from every frame. It really is like nothing else you will see. Best film I've seen this year, and with Moon around, that's saying something.

[CrazyFatEthel]

No!!! Dont hope for a sequel, it will only pale in comparison...!

[geeare]

best sci-fi in EONS

[MorallySound]

Got back from seeing this just awhile ago. Incredible film. An original story that also works as a parable, insane weaponry and scenes of action, superb acting from a first-timer, even if he was a bit annoying at times... It also says something when the effects in a $30 million movie look more organic than those in mega-expensive blockbusters like CGI Joe. The care that went into making this film radiates from every frame. It really is like nothing else you will see. Best film I've seen this year, and with Moon around, that's saying something.

Agreed. Just watched this last night (and saw Moon on Friday night) and District 9 is easily the best film of the year. An extremely intelligent film that actually portrays humanity like it actually is. All the characters (and 'prawns') are real who make real choices whether good or bad. These are not Hollywood characters written on a specific path to progress the story arc and complete the 'acts' of the film. The story was extremely well constructed, and I think the juxtaposition between the documentary sequences, the news sequences, and live-action film worked seamlessly to effectively elevate it above being just another blockbuster film or effects film, but establishes the film as a thought-provoking masterpiece. Aside from blockbuster action (and this film is action-packed) the film also has legitimate social commentary; dealing with themes of segregation, racism, corrupt government. and For first-time feature filmmaker Niell Blomkamp this film is an astounding achievement. His previous experience in the visual effects world immensely helped this film. There is so many layers to the film, and the technical achievement on and behind the scenes is astonishing. This film will change the sci-fi genre just like when the original Star Wars hit the screen.

[aoiookami]

Amazing. I loved it, best sci fi film in many years. Can't wait to make it part of my collection. Nothing else to say really, it was a joy to watch.

[Ash28M]

Saw this today. Good original concept. I wasn't as blown away as some of you but it was good. I would check out a sequel.

[msw7]

Saw this today. Good original concept. I wasn't as blown away as some of you but it was good. I would check out a sequel.

You might not have to wait too long....

http://www.fangoria.com/home/news/9-film-news/3607-district-9-the-sequel.html

[Nightbreed]

saw this last night, man what a great flick, I enjoyed every min of it and didnt want it to end.

[Grim]

Great film. I would say my favorite science fiction film since the Fifth Element and Starship Troopers. I'd be interested in a sequel, especially considering they basically have already laid down a partial plot for it within the first film, that is the aliens coming back in 3 years to turn Wikus human again.

[Shannafey]

Great film. I would say my favorite science fiction film since the Fifth Element and Starship Troopers.

Definitely have the same taste in scifi as I do!! 2 of my favorite films! And I agree, District 9 is up there with them.

[CrazyFatEthel]

My fav sci fi flick since the 70's version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

[Dave]

Counting the days until I can own this on blu. I really enjoyed it. CGI was fantastic and the story was great. Hope there is a sequel, too.

Kudos for all the love to Starship Troopers. I remember seeing it back in the theater with some friends out in Cali and I was the only one who *loved* it. I have purchased so many home video versions of it already: domestic LD, DVD, Superbit DVD, Special Edition DVD, Japanese LD (cover art owns), and now I'm eyeballing the blu-ray.

[Spitfire]

I loved every minute of it. I think this movie is a masterpiece. The special effects were incredible; best looking aliens I'ved ever seen.

10/10

Go see it . . . as this is one you don't want to miss. I want this on blu-ray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NaturesMistake]

Wow... I thought this was HIGHLY disappointing...

I thought the film was entertaining, but there were more plot holes than rounds fired...

...and things they could have/ should have done, but didn't.

I think I'll do an analysis tomorrow. I'll get the film, and it was a fun blockbuster, but this is no Starship Troopers, Terminator, Robocop, Blade Runner, 2001, Alien... Hell this isn't even a Total Recall.

...The idea was ok, but was no where near as original as what people made it seem.

[msw7]

Definitely have the same taste in scifi as I do!! 2 of my favorite films! And I agree, District 9 is up there with them.

I have to see this then - The Fifth Element is one of my favorites too, and I do love Starship Troopers.

[HellRazor]

I enjoyed it, and it was different, but really it wasn't anything spectacular...

[Clayton]

Wow... I thought this was HIGHLY disappointing...

I thought the film was entertaining, but there were more plot holes than rounds fired...

...and things they could have/ should have done, but didn't.

I think I'll do an analysis tomorrow. I'll get the film, and it was a fun blockbuster, but this is no Starship Troopers, Terminator, Robocop, Blade Runner, 2001, Alien... Hell this isn't even a Total Recall.

...The idea was ok, but was no where near as original as what people made it seem.

What plot holes are you citing? If you mean the irrational character decisions used as a device to further the plot then I understand but I didn't notice any plot holes...

[spawningblue]

I liked it a lot, but I still think Watchmen is my favourite movie of the year. I'll give it an 8 out of 10. It wasn't perfect but it was fun, and it's crazy to think that it was made for $30 million. If I didn't know that i definitely would have thought at least $100 million. Nice to see something come out that is original and different.

[NaturesMistake]

Well, the aliens are strong (kicked a guys head off), so why are they so overpowered? (and yeah, they were malnourished, but they weren't twenty years later)

The aliens bow down to the gangs with the weapons they have when just one human that has no technological knowledge of the alien weaponry can overtake a highly protected government base!? Why wouldn't these aliens try and fight?

Fuel turns you into an alien!? I know the technology was based in alien Dna, but come on...

The main character was practically a fuckin nazi and a coward. After his Jeff Goldblume like Transformation, we're supposed to sympathize with him, and the alien is really gonna help him out?

The film was also very shallow. It could have done so much with it's concept, but it basically dropped all of that within the first twenty-five minutes and became a summer blockbuster.

I was going to write an in depth analysis of this film, but I don't feel it warrants enough time to do so. I didn't hate it, but I didn't see much in it either.

It was a rather entertaining, but empty viewing experience.

[Clayton]

Well, the aliens are strong (kicked a guys head off), so why are they so overpowered? (and yeah, they were malnourished, but they weren't twenty years later)

The aliens bow down to the gangs with the weapons they have when just one human that has no technological knowledge of the alien weaponry can overtake a highly protected government base!? Why wouldn't these aliens try and fight?

Fuel turns you into an alien!? I know the technology was based in alien Dna, but come on...

The main character was practically a fuckin nazi and a coward. After his Jeff Goldblume like Transformation, we're supposed to sympathize with him, and the alien is really gonna help him out?

The film was also very shallow. It could have done so much with it's concept, but it basically dropped all of that within the first twenty-five minutes and became a summer blockbuster.

I was going to write an in depth analysis of this film, but I don't feel it warrants enough time to do so. I didn't hate it, but I didn't see much in it either.

It was a rather entertaining, but empty viewing experience.

The aliens were rescued by humans and taken into our culture. It was stated that the scientists of the ship had died (except for the one collecting the fuel I'd presume) and the remaining ones were simply drone like workers. I'm going to attempt to side-step the actual commentary that is visibly present here with realistic examples but taking in a weakened species or group of people that are in no way affiliated with our culture and existence brings culture shock. And when they are treated with violence and fear by all of their surroundings they become a lower species in the mind. That is most logically the reason they had not retaliated unless absolutely necessary.

I believe they bowed to the gangs because much like our crime filled areas in the states or elsewhere they are usually poverty stricken areas and the gangs fed off of them by offering food and supplies. Also being probably some of the first humans to actually make direct contact with them seeing them as something viable and usable.

The alien fuel transformation could seem lazy, I see that. However I look at it as a science fiction plot device and I don't think anyone could look at Dune or Star Wars and not see things of that variety.

The main character never received any sympathy from me...I thought the situation of assimilating this horrible character with something he simply didn't understand was very interesting. The fact the alien helped him shows their people to be much greater than our own.

I felt like this was the most depth and originality I've seen in a mainstream movie in years...

I see your points though and can see where your coming from...and it's not flawless but I'd say its damn close when you look at what hollywood has offered us as of late

[NaturesMistake]

We'll just have to agree to disagree. This isn't a movie I feel strongly enough about to condemn. If people keep praising it though, and it gets looked upon as a classic, I may loath this film out of principle. I'll then probably start to rant about it and further point out its flaws and wastes of allegory. There was just so much they could have done, but the writing just seemed lazy.

[BloodMan]

Truly... a GREAT movie... that's all...

[aoiookami]

If people keep praising it though, and it gets looked upon as a classic, I may loath this film out of principle.

Dumbest reason to hate a movie, ever.

[Anaestheus]

While I wouldn't go so far as to say "masterpiece" I certainly did enjoy the hell out of this.

Things I liked:

I enjoyed that the main character is a pencil-pushing, "racist" ass. I honestly thought it made him more human. I saw it as an extension of him hating his job. He certainly wasn't brutal. But he had the loathing of a man with a difficult task who had desensitized himself in order to get the job done. While unappealing, I found that to be very realistic.

The plot twists, while sometimes a bit forced, were rewarding. It was definitely unpredictable and that is something that I miss in most contemporary films. I really didn't find any of them to be holes as much as poorly paced. The voodoo cult/crime gangs made sense, but their presence in the plot just felt like it could have used some better pacing and fleshing out. While I had no trouble buying into any single scene, I did have a hard time accepting that all this went down in, what, 72 hours?

The aliens - their design was fantastic.


Things I didn't like:

I felt that the alien race needed a bit more developing. I know they say early on that they were simply drones incapable of complex thought, but I really took that to be just "racism" the same way the white slave owners felt about the blacks. Especially considering all the technology the aliens are able to gerry-rig in their camp. To some extent I can understand some of this when looking at footage of real conditions in refugee camps. But somehow, it still felt a bit unbelievable on a whole. And I think "Chris" was a pretty weak character. Especially considering how well developed I thought Wikus was.

But, the best reason to love this film is:

a giant robot picks up a live pig and throws it at a soldier. How cool was that?

In contrasting it to other films, I keep going back to Star Trek (2009) That film was nowhere near as intelligent or original. But, it flowed so well that I never really had the time to think about all the holes and contrivances in the story. While District 9's biggest weakness is that the story does seem well thought out, but the overall flow makes it feel like there are huge leaps in logic and believability. Another similar film would be Children of Men. And, again, that film flowed so well that I had no problems buying into all the action that occurred over the relatively small time period. Mainly, again, because that world is so well fleshed out in the background details that, I thought, everything there seemed completely acceptable.

Still, on a whole, I did enjoy it a lot. I do recommend it to people. It is still one of the more intelligent sci-fi films to come out in a while. And it still packs some great action sequences and surprises.

[NaturesMistake]

Dumbest reason to hate a movie, ever.

Oh gimme a fuckin break aoiookami...

Better films often get overshadowed by mediocre ones. This film was mediocre in my eyes. It gets annoying when the word "masterpiece" gets thrown around for shit like this.

Look at the novel Twilight for example. It sucks yes, but is it utterly atrocious? Almost, but no, however I hate it even more because it's mediocrity overshadows classics such as I Am Legend or Salem's Lot.

[vampyr789]

everyone is entitled to an opinion....

[aoiookami]

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but getting 'annoyed' over other people expressing theirs and preparing to 'rant' if they continue to have an opposite opinion is, well, silly. Let it go.

[NaturesMistake]

You're silly :mad:

:D

[spawningblue]

I hate it even more because it's mediocrity overshadows classics such as I Am Legend

haha I hope you are talking about the book and not the crap movie with Will Smith.

[HellRazor]

haha I hope you are talking about the book and not the crap movie with Will Smith.

What? I AM LEGEND is destined to be one of the all-time classic movies of all time. The sheer pathos, ingenuity, and brilliance of this film has raised motion picture cinema to a new level of undeniable art. And Will Smith is an acting God, surely he is one of the most gifted actors of our generation.

Just joking. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[NaturesMistake]

Lol... I thought it was clear that I was talking literature :p

I did say novel and underlined I Am Legend...

Strict MLA rules state you could underline a films title, but most people often just use quotes (especially since proper grammar isn't a necessity on a message board, God knows I take loads of liberties with it). Underlining is usually the sign that someone is talking about a novel.

No I hate the Will Smith film as it raped everything the book stood for.

[HellRazor]

No I hate the Will Smith film as it raped everything the book stood for.

Maybe it should have been called "I AM RAPIST". :p

[Slackjaw83]

I just caught "District 9" tonight with the wife. Solid film all round. I found the acting to be great across the board, the special effects ranged from "good" to "amazingly good", the social commentary (while being nothing new) was portrayed well (i.e overtly obvious without going overboard and making the film unenjoyable), and the story was enticing.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the "Discovery Channel style documentary meets motion picture" approach to the film, but I ended up really enjoying it. The way it effortlessly and appropriately shifted back and forth was great. After seeing so many "1st person shakey camcorder" fliks, I was, as I said, a bit wary. It just seemed to work here.

I'm not 100% sure if it's worth ALL the praise that's been thrown it's way over the last few weeks, but i do know it was a hell of a good movie and I'll be picking up the DVD first week, guaranteed.

[zompirejoe]

Great film, great concept, and probably one of the best viewing experiences I've had in quite some time. I too am eager for this one on Blu Ray.

[othervoice1]

I saw this and it was different from what I expected. I thought it was good but not as good as some of the rave reviews I had seen. 90% positive reviews on rottontomatoes.com is pretty impressive which is why I was kinda let down although I still thought it was pretty solid. My boss gave me a hard time yesterday cuz her and her husband saw it over the weekend and thought it was just plain dumb. I think the talking shrimp like aliens did it in for them lol. The only thing I found kinda dumb was him just somehow knowing how to operate all alien devices, especially a spaceship all of a sudden, maybe a minor gripe but I did find that a bit silly.

[Fistfuck]

Missed it in the theater but just viewed it at home. For a long time I've been complaining about how poorly integrated 99% of CGI is in films, always calling itself out and never really feeling like part of the frame. This is the first film I've seen in a while where the vast majority is done properly. Most of the shots of the mother ship are among the best CGI I've ever witnessed. They were able to nail the depth of field and atmospheric conditions, as well as the different mediums they used depending on the shot, to convincingly place this large object above Johannesburg. While the aliens are still not quite there, they're getting much closer. Especially with changing light conditions and small things like blowing out the rim if there's a strong source present.

Aside from the CGI, the story had me sucked in for a long time. I felt the movie started to fall apart once it became Black Hawk Prawn. I felt the story came to a standstill when they Wickus and Christopher picked up weapons and started blasting their way through everything. It started to become very reminiscent of Avatar, complete with testerone-overdrive screaming and eye-rolling "Come get some" lines.

I once read an article, around the time I, Robot was released, with Arthur C. Clarke and Ray Bradbury. They claimed that in the entire history of film making, only one film actually qualified as science fiction - 2001. Their argument was that the problems characters face in science fiction are to be solved using logic, reason, and of course, science. While I wouldn't go so far as to claim 2001 is the ONLY sci-fi movie ever made (Primer comes to mind), I agree that most films touted as science fiction usually devolve into gun battles and fist fights. 75% of the way through District 9, I was convinced I was watching a film that would probably meet the approval of Mr. Clarke and Mr. Bradbruy. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

I was also confused by the POV the film took. Obviously the beginning is a mix of various "documentary" footage and traditional shaky cam narrative. Later on, especially during the climactic final battle, there were parts where the "camera" took a hit, as though the poor cameraman ended up as collateral damage. But apart from the aerial footage, there was no "documentary" crew present during this scene.

Another niggling thing was the overuse of exploding bodies. Much like the anime series Elfen Lied, I felt they went a little too far in congratulating themselves for experimenting with the number of times they could send pieces of flesh flying around the scene. The first time was shocking, but after the 10th person in a row vacated this mortal coil with a squeegie and a bucket, I started losing the serious tone of the film and began watching a cartoon. I feel gore is just like an other element of a film - you use it too much and it begins to lose its relevance and impact.

[Shannafey]

Man, you're being picky!!! :)

Great film!!

[Fistfuck]

Man, you're being picky!!! :)

Great film!!

Shannafey, you're mostly right. Looking back at my post, it does look like I cherrypicked a few things to deride the movie on. However, things such as the gore and camera POV would not have been as big a deal to me if the film had not devolved into summer action blockbuster territory. I base my critique of films on a system of goodwill, which is why I like a lot of films (Exorcist II, Johnny Mnemonic) that others view as complete fiascos. When District 9 broke away from its "intelligence" and "originality," it started a domino effect where I was taken out of the movie because I felt it changed course too drastically, and I began to pick it apart more since I was no longer into it as much as I had been.

[spawningblue]

Shannafey, you're mostly right. Looking back at my post, it does look like I cherrypicked a few things to deride the movie on. However, things such as the gore and camera POV would not have been as big a deal to me if the film had not devolved into summer action blockbuster territory. I base my critique of films on a system of goodwill, which is why I like a lot of films (Exorcist II, Johnny Mnemonic) that others view as complete fiascos. When District 9 broke away from its "intelligence" and "originality," it started a domino effect where I was taken out of the movie because I felt it changed course too drastically, and I began to pick it apart more since I was no longer into it as much as I had been.

I agree. I really liked this flick but when it became all "summer blockbuster" at the end it lost something in my opinion. First half was great though.

[SEANVALEN]

I agree. I really liked this flick but when it became all "summer blockbuster" at the end it lost something in my opinion. First half was great though.

I wouldn't say it became summer blockbuster at the end, it was a natural progression to what was set out at the start, it kept building, almost like Michael Mann's Heat hidden beneath the ice. It needed the extra punch and fun to get away from the seriousness, a balance was achieved.

Search your feelings Luke, you know this to be true. Spawningblue Legend


The film feels like a combination of Black Hawk Down and a social commentry aftermath war film combined with a general sci fi ufo era.

[Criswell]

I thought it was terribley shallow, also had a million plot holes that didnt make sense.....why did the alien leave? Technology like that ship would have had would have enabled the escaping alien free the rest of them in no time. Getting 4 million individual "signatures" before they could be moved?

My biggest distraction was however the South African accents. As it was a thinly veiled critique of Apartheid, the accents were too distracting for me. Yes i know it was a SA film, but it was still off putting.

Also..... thats the deal with the obvious racism and dislike towards the Nigerians????

[Chunkblower]

I also found it a bit odd that a film with a clearly anti-apartheid subtext would be so dehumanizing toward THE NIGERIANS (cue ominous music/low angle shot). That didn't sit well with me. Still, I liked District 9 as far as it went but was terribly disappointed that the ideas set up in the first half are jettisoned in the second in favour of action. But what amazingly well directed action it was. I'm really looking forward to Neil Blomkamp does next so we can ascertain if District 9 is the best he's capable of, or if it's a promise of things to come.

Also, I sincerely hope the rumours of a prequel coming are are just that: rumours. What a horrible idea.

[dirkwu]

Most fucking retard movie ever.

Seriously, not a joke, this movie is missing a couple of chromosomes.

I may just have to buy the DVD so I can take a crap on it.

That is all.