District 9

In a summer, a year, a decade, when so many of us complain (post-Lord of the Rings) about the lack of really good science-fiction/fantasy films that entertain and excite without being dumbed down and shoddied up (or based on toys or old TV shows--even though I do really like the new Star Trek), District 9 presents both much-welcomed relief and a few quandaries.

You see, the three things you need to know are this: First, District 9 is a terrific film that pleases on multiple levels, including light social satire, compelling storytelling, and yes, slam-bang rockin’ action.

Second, it’s possible that after a summer of fanboys, Internet film bloggers, and Comic-Con attendees raving about District 9 as the greatest thing since sliced lembas, you might go into it this weekend with artificially high expectations. And then come away disappointed that, while solid, the modest film didn’t completely blow your nerd-mind and rearrange your geek DNA.

And the third thing is, the less you know about District 9 and its plot, the more fun you’ll have with the film. This may or may not be the film you think it is, judging from trailers and the summer’s viral marketing campaign. But let's throw this out there: think of it as this decade's Terminator or Pitch Black--scrappy, sharp action films delivering tons of bang for their buck.

That said, go forth now and see District 9. Then come back and we’ll talk after the jump, where I won’t go into specific spoilers and will try to not give away the film’s central plot points (though national magazine covers and articles are), but I will talk about some aspects of the time that I had no idea about going in to see it the first time.

For those who have seen District 9, or aren't concerned about VERY general, VERY vague information about its plot, join me over the jump.

District 9 is produced by everyone’s Kiwi-Hobbit godling, Peter Jackson, and directed by newcomer Neill Blomkamp, a South-African-born commercial director. The story, written by Blomkamp and Terri Tachell, combines two simple concepts: That a spaceship full of confused, leaderless alien workers arrived here more than 20 years ago, and that it parked not over New York, Washington, or Los Angeles, but Johannesburg, South Africa—right about the time South Africa was putting away its earthly Apartheid.

But the film’s blunt hook is that the aliens—derisively called “prawns” due to their crustacean-y appearance—are not treated as invaders or wise mentors or cuddly childhood pals, but rather as unwanted refugees and are dumped into a Johannesburg slum called District 9. Dismissed as ignorant, violent, low-life scavengers, they are left to fend for and fight among themselves. (The film quickly does away with any freak-show mystique about the aliens and their appearance—rather than a majestic reveal of their otherness, we soon become desensitized to their miserable existence as they scrape through the background of the film.)

District 9’s story kicks off as the private corporation tasked with managing District 9 sets out to move its residents into a new, “better” containment camp. The point-man/bureaucratic patsy for the job is Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a smiling, guileless squid of human who is the worst kind of stooge: the kind who truly and happily believes he’s doing the right thing.

I’m hesitant to tell you even that much about District 9, because going in I did not know who Copley was (a long-time friend of Blomkamp, this is his first real acting gig) or that the impressively unimpressive Wikus, appearing as one of several talking heads in interview footage at the film’s start, would become its protagonist. The film’s first act follows Wikus and his crew of bureaucrats and hired mercenary thugs as they attempt to evict almost two million aliens from the slum and it’s shot as a faux documentary in cinema verite style.

District 9’s allegory for Apartheid is engaging and also pretty heavy handed—you’re not going to miss any of the big, broad swipes, especially in those compelling first 30 minutes as we’re introduced to the downtrodden alien society and behaviors. (The usual necessary SF evils of buckets of back-story exposition are handled deftly and engagingly.) But those expecting (or perhaps fearing) an NPR-style lecture that drones on about racial injustice (and how even those humans who have been oppressed themselves are quick to oppress and denigrate others) will be surprised (or maybe a bit disappointed) to find that the film soon sets down the documentary camera and picks up the action rig. Don’t be tricked into thinking District 9 is a think piece pumped up with action—it’s just the opposite, a humdinger full of action beats amidst the muck and squalor.

Suffice to say things do not go… right… for Wikus and his team, and the patsy soon finds himself not cleaning out the slum, but hiding in it, on the run from his own increasingly ominous corporation. Along the way Wikus’ desperate fate becomes entwined with that of Christopher Johnson, an alien with bigger plans (the human name is a nod to how tribesmen all over the world are often given Anglo-Saxon names to help them assimilate), and his son Little CJ.

Yes, it’s true (slight SPOILER) —the big secret of District 9 is that it shifts from social commentary to something like a buddy-cop movie (a la Alien Nation), and that Christopher the “prawn” becomes its most sympathetic and relatable character. (Christopher and all the aliens are CGI, acted out bodily by Jason Cope.)

From there on out, District 9 is a wildly entertaining action film, enriched by the larger ideas of social behaviors laid out early on. There are Nigerian gangster warlords, devastating alien weapons (make no mistake—this is a very gory R-rated movie), even a rowdy riot of a T-former/Iron-Man style battle suit. And above it all is the film’s best, subtlest special effect: the massive mother ship hanging abandoned and dead over the slum like an oppressive gray capstone, pressing the aliens down while reminding them they cannot go home again.

For every viewer who sits down to feast on what is one of the first really great SF action films in a while, there are going to be a few who are upset that District 9 doesn’t dig as deeply into its Apartheid parallels as they’d like. After all, the film has ideas, but it’s not Moon or 2001 or even Blade Runner. Once it drops its documentary conceit, much of District 9’s plot revolves around the usual genre contrivances: alien weapons, stock human villains (corporate and mercenary, if there’s a difference), daring desperate missions, and races against time.

But for sci-fi fans, District 9 more than delivers. Shot cheaply in the actual slums of Johannesburg, it has that rough, studio-hands-off feel. In fact it’s no coincidence Jackson produced the film—like LOTR, District 9 was filmed away from Hollywood, free from meddling homogenization. As I said earlier, that independent grit puts it on par with Pitch Black, Evil Dead 2, and the original Terminator film: pulpy, kinda seedy movies that use strong story ideas and cinematic energy to do a whole lot of dazzling with a little cash.

Newcomers Blomkamp and his star Copley probably have grand careers (or epic fizzles) ahead of them. (Take away Wikus’ sniveling sweater vests and Copley has a handsome movie-star face.) And no doubt by next summer we’ll see half a dozen lame District 9 knock-offs cluttering the cineplexes. But for right here, right now, we have a true treat in our laps: a butt-kicking, popcorn-munching, sci-fi action film that doesn’t ask you to dump your brains at the concession stand. Let’s go enjoy the hell out of it.

Comments

[Matt MacQ]

I went to see this solely based on this review, and I stopped at the first spoiler warning not to read more. Just saw it tonight and came back to finish reading the rest the review, and I agree it was spot on.

thanks

[Robert H. Raymond]

I thought it was well written and directed. The story line blew me away with how advanced the story is as far as aliens living on earth and the fact that it felt like right now. Best film for the year so far. Great Job

[JGM]

A well-written review, as usual for Locke. I went into this film with little knowledge of it (as recommended) and was mostly impressed but not blown away.

In the early-to-middle section of the film (when the callousness towards the relocatees is being ground in) I was feeling uncomfortable and worried: as obviously creative and well-executed the film's idea was, I wasn't having much fun -- Wickus' well-meaning incompetence and lack of self-awareness is like Michael Scott on steroids, and I got the same heebie-jeebies I get watching The Office.

Then, when the Plot kicked in and the satire receded, I was disappointed that, after the completely unique setup, we descended so completely into buddy-movie tropes.

Yes, I apparently wanted it both ways. Or at least one way or the other in a complete way. I found that neither my serious-film itch nor my popcorn-movie itch was completely scratched. Maybe there was too much grit and misery in the setup to surrender to the slam-bang. My teenaged companion's main reaction was "that was a lot sadder than I expected" (although we both professed a lot of *admiration* for the movie).

[Locke Peterseim]

JGM, thanks for the compliment and I think we're on about the same page with D9. Duncan Jones, director of Moon, nailed it for me when he tweeted that he liked it, but it wasn't "a game changer."

And I fully agree with your reaction to when "the Plot kicked in"--I was so engrossed by the opening satire, that sense of dread, that I too was a little disappointed when the Buddy-Movie tropes sprung up.

But once I accepted D9 on its own mashed-up terms, as half serious, half popcorn, I came away liking--and like you, admiring--it a lot. I can see every flaw and complaint people might have about it, and I can see why others have completely lost their minds over how much they love it. Either way, I'm glad we have it.

[Me]

it was not good at all
waste of money
should have watched GI Joe or Proposal instead
worth the dollar red box rental only

[Anna]

Saw it last weekend, without benefit of any info other than it's getting great reviews. I guess I'm no SCI-FI junkie because I wanted to gnaw my paws off!

[Tanner Leggett]

I wanted this movie to be good. I even tried to find some positive aspects of it...and there are a few...okay 2: First the mech is pretty cool and it was fun watching him blast away the "evil humans." Secondly, I did like the father/son relationship between the little alien and the "smart" alien.

Other than that though this movie was dreadfully boring. It took the movie over 1/2 of its run time to actually pick up and the beginning dragged on like those horribly long 10 descriptions that Tolkien used to describe moss or the clouds. The movie was in-you-face politically charged...which by the way only makes movies good if you want to win the Sundance movie awards. I've never been a fan of mixing political views with bang'em up, shoot'em out action.

Bottom line - this is one of those movies that you either come out of saying "wow that was absolutely amazing" or if you're like me, you happen to wake up when the mech starts shooting up the bad guys and then walk out saying...why the heck did i spend $10 to watch that.

[Jobob]

This movie was horrible! It was like watching a 70's horror movie at the drive in! Bad acting, bad sets, BAD story line! Serving aliens eviction notices??? REALLY? One word... cheesy!

[Jason L]

About the first 30 min I was like what the f$;# then it got good and I liked it quite a bit worth seeing if you can get past the first bit

[Garr]

I agree with the review. It wasn't what I expected based on the trailers, but once I got past that it was good. (It's kinda like Watchmen for me...I didn't expect the movie to be sooo dramatic, but it was- good.) I was annoyed with the protagonist, so I was relieved when it did turn into a buddy-movie thing.

[T]

I had high hopes going into this. The trailers are great. The CGI is top notch. and that is what you see in the trailers. This was one of the biggest disappointments in a long time. The story could have been really good if it was tweaked a little bit.
Wouldn't you think that us Humans would have been tinkering with their ship for the past 20 years? But no it seems like no one has looked at it or touched it after is arrived 20 years ago. That is a very unrealistic aspect of the movie. And the slum lord aspect is not needed and should have been left out. This movie would make a top notch action packed video game.

[Michelle]

My husband & I went to see this movie not knowing much about it, we heard from others that it was a great movie. After about 15 minutes into it people started getting up & leaving. We stayed about 20 minutes longer & had to leave. It is just one of those movies that the camera movement makes you (or at least us) sick. When we went & asked for a refund, we were told that lots of people were asking for a refund. If you have to see this movie please wait to rent it for a BUCK.

[Thomas Owens]

The movie was great and I really enjoyed the plot. I would recommend it and plan to look for the DVD to purchase it.

[Ricki Leonard]

I treated my self to the movies and D9 was the only one I had not seen commericials about, so I went in not knowing what to expect. The beginning was slow, I was thinking I wasted my money on a documentary film...as it picked up I liked it. I laughed at the Nigerian scammers because that is partially real in todays world!! So was the way "the ghetto" developed. I felt for the aliens and the wife's hope on the rose. I stayed until the end of the credits wondering if there would be an indicator for
part two..

[benjamin huey]

when i seen this movie it was bad if i was a credict i would give it a f minis double zero posted by ben huey

[Dan]

This movie really just flat out sucks...Unless your one of those people that has never grown up and looks forward to coming home everyday and playing playstation. It seems as if the movie was filmed in the backyard of some bored fifth graders and they don't know how to steady the camera. I fell asleep four times during this movie.(honest to god truth). I wouldn't reccomend wasting your money.

[Dawn Renee]

I went to see Distrct 9 on opening day. I love sci-fi and was looking forward to seeing the movie. As it turned out I hated it. I was waiting for everyone to get up and walk out(including my spouse),no such luck. He sat and watched, I paid to see G.I.Joe.

[Locke Peterseim]

This is really interesting and I mean that sincerely. After a month of hearing nothing--and I mean NOTHING--but raves for D9 from critics and fanboys and internet bloggers, it's useful to hear from some people NOT digging it.

I can certainly understand feeling it's overrated, expectations are too high, or it has some flaws, but I'm honestly surprised to hear action and SF fans disliking it so completely. But that's okay--it's not a perfect film, and it may not be the type of film or Sci-Fi some people are looking for. But I stand by my take on it: I feel this is both good SF film making and good action film making, and the fact that it's a solid, smart (yes, except for some plot holes) combo of both those things makes it--to me--a very rare and valuable treat. I still say go see it! :)

And I must say, some of the stuff people didn't like about it were exactly the things I loved: the documentary-style opening 20-30 minutes, the social injustice themes, the Nigerian gangsters (both because they provided a great plot point and more social commentary), the intentionally rough camerawork and ugly-gritty look and feel, and the fact that Wikus IS annoying and VERY unlikable--he's very much PART of the problem at first.

So I'm curious--and again, I mean this very sincerely--those of you who did not like it, what are some of your favorite science fiction (and/or action) films (or books, TV show, etc)? I ask because I get that D9 isn't everyone's thing, and I'm just curious what IS those folks' thing who don't like D9.

[phil]

I will admit that at the beggining I was like ?????? what the hell is this don't tell me that the whole movie is going to be based like this!!!!But after about 45 minutes it really starts to take off...I will say though that a lot more thought could have gone into the ship being positioned over the city why couldn't they have crash landed it or something? and make it more believable,and the part about the concentration camps was a little bit too far fetched but all in all I have to say that i thought it was a pretty good sci-fi flick for all ages the aliens looked like large cockroaches though so my compassion for them was a little bit unmoving.

[Jason]

I find some of the reviews ridiculously immature. Saying that it was 'cheesy' shows a lack of understand of social commentary. It was not 'cheesy' in the least (and that term itself denotes ignorance).

The camera work was not distracting and it only makes one sick if one has a weak stomach. The direction was well done and the storyline was well-written. My main complaint is that I did not care for Wilkus throughout the film. I had no sympathy for him and I am still unsure whether the director intended for the viewer to have sympathy for him. He deserved his fate and more. All my sympahy lay with Christopher the alien and his young son, which I do understand the director intended. However, making Wilkus a 'hero' is an odd choice. The film was well-made, but there were issues that unsettled me (certainly the point) and thus it's a movie I recommend only to film-goers who can stomach serious issues, not immature teens who think Transformers was a great film (in fact, the Transformers element toward the end was boring). The gore factor was overdone as well. I do not go to movies to see blood shooting at the screen.

Overall, the film made me loathe humanity more than I already did (if possible) and if this planet is ever invaded by aliens, I'm not certain as to whom I would cheer. But if aliens land here as refugees, I would certainly cheer for them.

[ED Mann]

I agree with:
Posted by: Anna | August 25, 2009 at 03:25 PM

or if you're like me, you happen to wake up when the mech starts shooting up the bad guys and then walk out saying...why the heck did i spend $10 to watch that?

Waste oh money.
I recommend that you aznd 10 friends go in on the cost of it on rental from redbox so that when u spend .10c and u fall asleep and you will. YOU DONT feel bad about wasting .10c..
waste of my time waste of my money.
I want my $5.00 back and my 2 hours...

[Jessica]

As a humanitarian rather than a sci fi junkie, I saw District 9 not for it's shoot-em-up action scenes but for it's allegorical story line of the refugee experience. Say what you want about the action or the realism, but this film does an excellent job of telling the story of people forced out of their homes all over our world. It points out the cruelty with which we can treat others (exterminating the prawn babies and it "sounding like popcorn") even while being naively well-meaning. Peter Jackson did a great job of initially showing the broad scope of the problem and then narrowing it to the story of one alien and his son allowing us to relate and feel compassion for them. And Wikus' character is amazingly dynamic throughout the movie. Yes, you leave feeling heavy and not quite right about the way that humans treated the aliens, but that is EXACTLY how you should feel since watching the vulnerable be oppressed and abused shouldn't sit well with anyone.

[Mike]

Wast of time. There was too much set up of the main character and after spending so much time getting through that there was no resolution to many question one naturally has.
Who are the aliens, what is their social structure, what caused the ship to stop on earth, why would Wickus not go with the alien?
This is not LOTR and deserving of a multi part movie, as is we got less than half a movie.

[GOLDIELOCKS]

IM SORRY TO SAY BUT I DIDNT LIKE IT AT ALL IT DRAG TO GET TO THE THE POINT IT WAS STUPID I GOT MY MONEY BACK FROM THE THEATER CAUSE IT COMPLETELY SUCK

[Megan]

First of all, I disagree with many parts of the above review. I'll get to that in a moment. Secondly, if you wanted to see a brainless action flick for fun, go see Transformers or GI Joe (both of which I enjoyed, however both of which are cheesy, brainless, and have plot holes you could drive a Mack truck through). This movie was not supposed to be "mashed up" or a "popcorn action flick." This was meant to be an intelligent political and character-driven movie, that just happened to use science fiction as a framework and backdrop in order to provide a bit of emotional distance for the audience. It was an incredibly moving and poignant story, about a man who is forced to confront and change his entire worldview, and forced to become allied with those who previously were only to be pitied and hated. This movie does not have the standard Hollywood "HOO-RAH" happy ending. I would say it's more like The Watchmen than some of the other movies the reviewer compared it to (though it's even more like the actual graphic novel of The Watchmen, rather than the movie version). It has a bleak, somewhat cynical view of humanity. It is not at all certain that we can redeem ourselves, or that we are worth saving. This is, despite the mech and the cool weapons and the gore, a SERIOUS film with SERIOUS themes. If it weren't for the splatter and the mech battle scene, it would probably be considered for an Academy Award (and I don't mean for special effects, music or costumes). Those who went to see it expecting another video game/comic book/TV show action film with lots of explosions and quirky humor are right to be disappointed. You should have done more research before dropping $10 bucks on a film that actually makes you think and feel.

[Pam]

My husband and I love Sci Fi but we both hated this movie. Almost walked out.

[Craig]

I haven't seen it yet, but it sounds to me like many of the people posting here simply don't like sci-fi. Why would you pay $10 to see a movie when you would be happier just posting negative comments?

[April]

I came in knowing almost nothing and I think Locke was spot on in this review. It was considerably better than I expected but, not really expecting anything, I guess that's not saying too much. When comparing notes with others, it appears those of us who went in knowing very little about it and not expecting much thought it was phenomenal. Those with higher expectations were a little disappointed. Either way, all agreed that this movie was pretty fresh in terms of story line, shooting, and talent. And basically anything in a summer blockbuster that can claim to be innovative will be welcome, not just in the sci-fi realm, but in any movie today.
All that said, I really did think it was great. We had a blast.

[carrie]

My husband and i walked out of this movie... we hated it... I love sci-fi, but this movie was horrible and did not do justice to the genre. An utterly disgusting movie, that didn't need to be.