9 (2009)

After a raging war between man and machine, stitch punks are the only remaining creatures on Earth. These rag-doll creatures were the last hope for the Scientist. Survival is a struggle for the rag-tag group led by 1 (voiced by Christopher Plummer) who deems fear essential to life. 2 (Martin Landau) discovers 9 (Elijah Wood) disoriented and confused, bringing him into the group. When one of their kind is ‘sacrificed’ for the better good, 9 challenges their leader. Shock, but intrigued, the remaining stitch punks must stand tall if they truly wish to survive.

Wonderfully dark and post apocalyptic, 9 is a visually stunning film co-produced by Tim Burton and Timor Bekmambetov. Directed by Shane Acker, 9 is an arresting spectacle. The animation is top-notch, adult in nature, with untold action and detail. The Burton/Bekmambetov influences are strong, but never overshadow this fit little number.

Credible voice work by the aforementioned, John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly, and Crispin Glover are delightful. Though the film is essentially a one-note plot, it’s the distinct personalities of these rag-doll creatures that keep your attention.

Themes courtesy of Danny Elfman serve to further the atmospheric nature of the film. Director Acker does remarkable stuff with his short story turned debut feature, but the film has much unrealized potential. Clocking in at less than 90 minutes, 9 is brilliantly executed with macabre and sometimes quizzical elements that play to the film’s strength.

As I see it, 9 is an interesting animated piece. Not typical Disney fair thanks to a set of off-beat protagonists and bleak subject matter. Things do not bode well and while it’s dark, often creepy, 9 never fails to entertain.

Postscript 01.02.10 ~ I was excited to finally sit down and revisit this one.  But what I came home from the theatre with (and blogged about) is different than what I saw tonight.  I'm a wee bit disappointed --kinda like The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.  The idea is brilliant, but after tonight, I'm not sure what I saw.  The animation is techinically amazing.  The stitchpunks are interesting, but the film lacks something.  What, I am unsure.