District 9 (2009)

Newly promoted Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) of the global corporation known as Multi National United forces is now overseeing the relocation of an alien race. These 'prawns' have been relegated to the slums of District 9 for decades after their mother ship stalled over Johannesburg, South Africa. With tensions high, Wikus steps in to move these creatures from squalor to containment and runs into resistance.

District 9 is a late stand out in a summer of sameness. This low budget indie piece produced by Peter Jackson is everything you've heard and then some. The film is unique in its execution and memorable thanks to top-notch production elements.

Directed by Neil Blomkamp and casted with virtual no-names, District 9 begins as a documentary to set up the story. We meet Wilkus, a nerdy pencil pusher for MNU. Sharlto Copley is pitch perfect as an 'Everyman' just trying to deal with events has they come. Copley evolves Wilkus from flighty office worker to insurgent leader subtly. It's beautiful to behold.

At the helm of the seamless CGI prawns is Jackson's WETA workshop. I have no complaints. The bipedal, nearly humanoid creatures are familiar yet strange and while the case could be made for an 'uninspiring' creature, it's ultimately what writer/director Blomkamp executes that makes them fascinating.

Not to be overlooked is the editing. Virtually seamless, the film evolves from docu-drama to real time events without a hitch. District 9 moves quickly, but without sacrificing story. The overall production is gritty and action packed; but Blomkamp balances the explosions with a sobering exploration of the emotions on both sides of the District. It feels neither contrived or hurried.

With a number of available subplots, kudos to Blomkamp for maintaining the film's focus. It truly could have gone a number of ways. The film does contain moments of weakness, but an innovative approach is among District 9's saving graces. My greatest fear now is that Hollywood will find a sequel a necessity. Please, no.

As I see it, District 9 is intelligent and entertaining sci-fi. It's also a must see on the big screen.