Neill Blomkamp has created a solid and entertaining sci-fi experience in District 9. Even though this movie used a style that I still dislike (documentary shaky cam) it was done in a contained way so it did not detract from the move. Instead of being lower quality with lots of compression and static – a-la documentary style – it was clean. There were no HUD displays showing batter life or a film-safe frame. The shakiness was still there but it was not forced upon you.
The effects in district 9 were amazing, especially considering its low budget. The cg aliens in the movie look good and seemed to a have a real physical presence. They also emoted surprisingly well which is a credit to the character designers and animators.
There are parts to the story that seemed a little made for television and a few strange oddities and plot inconstancies. Also, because we’re thrown into this reality immediately and the entire back story is told through TV interviews, the story lacks some emotional punch as the only real development that happens is from people talking about other people. There are relationships in this movie that don’t have enough build behind them so when they are used as emotional devices later on, the impact is lessened.
On the whole, District 9 is great movie missing some minor aspects that would have put it near the classics. …Now - after seeing this – I really wish Neill would have made Halo. Ahhhhhh well.
