Let me get this straight from the start. Microsoft and the Halo franchise are lesser for not having Director Neil Blomkamp onboard. From a trailer that I thought gave away too much to the realisation that it was the only a tip of the iceberg. This film is a perfect collaboration of Sci-Fi and intelligence. A mix that is rare but with this and Star Trek I hope it is making a return.
Skillfully made as a documentary that updates the action from the directors lense to security footage this is a film that is meant to make you involved. With the action blended with interview snippets this is a perfect example of what film can do with the right talent involved.
The story is that of an alien spaceship that landed on earth and are met with racism and oppression as they are herded into a slum called District 9. The film follows the story of a man who is not afraid to use his government position to show his prejudice against the aliens who are derogatively called Prawns. He is a man that there is little to like about and is played skilfully by Blomkamp’s friend Sharlto Copley.
Sharlto's performance is as great. He perfectly portrays the weak willed and slightly gutless Wikus, whose life and view is about to change dramatically. The problem I had with his character had nothing to do with the acting . I know originally we are not meant to like the character of Wikus but it the character arc is too narrow for you too really forgive him with his redemptive actions. He was not likeable enough but you overlook it as the incredibly original story drive us on. I guess I am spoilt with the natural charm of leading big budget actors on screen . So to see a true character like Wikus, it just threw me off a bit.
But let’s get to the Peter Jackson's involvement. That means the Weta involvement and this film borders of flawless. The effects are breathtaking as you see transformations and spaceships slam your senses on the screen The aliens look great and because they are placed against a harsh, realistic environment the effects are even better. Because it is always easy for alien CGI to blend in in space but to see it blend in in downtown Johannesburg is simply brilliant to behold. Weta are quickly becoming the leaders in their fields and as a hot new director there is no better friend to have then Peter Jackson.
Blomkamp styles top notch action sequences with a storyline that is so damn refreshing you actually leave the theatre slightly angry. Yes, I was angry at Hollywood who have currently closed ranks in the filmmaking with constant ridiculous remakes when they should be taking more chances like they have here.
Hollywood needs more of these films for it to survive and Peter Jackson has a great eye for talent. District 9 is one of the most original films I have seen all year and I am quite frankly in awe of it. It is unlike anything that you will see at the theatre now. I hope this will be the pioneer film that charges a revival in intelligent films and with a good box office behind it ,like I know it will have , we will definite see more of Blomkamp. Kudos to this film. A visionary film in the pure essence of the word. Go see it now!!!
