District 9

District 9, having been produced on the peripheral of the Hollywood system rather then from within it's epicenter, is a good 20 minutes shorter than any such American production of the same material would probably have been. That's the best thing I can say about it.

The first half-hour finds enough novelty and humour to keep things moving along nicely, then takes a briefly interesting turn into body-horror territory after that... then what? It turns into a freaking video-game, jettisoning any story, character, or "ideas" it originally had in favour of gratuitous digital effects and "cool" action. So what if there's barely any sense to what's going on - look how big these guns are, dude! Wank wank wank - grow up!

So, y'know, if you cream for Dragonball Z reruns, or can't think of anything more fun than playing Halo for hours on end, go see this movie. You'll love it. Otherwise, beware...

By james

peter jackson what where you tihnking?!?!? giving nz a bad name?

 1

mate, that was such a crap movie it was actually funny, it looked so great in the adds, but then as i went to see it, it just got dragged on and just turned into a silly dramatic movie that was absoulutly crap!

By steve

First Good South African Casted Action Movie Ever!!!

 5

As a South African this movie made me extremely proud of the South African cast in the movie!!! Was a great social commentary on everything from the Soweto uprizing to the Sophia town relocations; the xenophobia in 2008 to the gouvernmental corruption in the previous and current regime... The action was brilliant and as a local the movie hit as close to home as Tsotsi. Loved the action and it is great to see that the local actors got to play in a real action movie, I think they did '"blerrie" good

By Deon

So Bad I nearly Cried

 1

Absolutely the worst movie ever! It was so bad it was funny, but no one except for me was laughing! It can not be taken seriously...but people did? Real bad movie. Don't bother watching

By nzandrea

Better Than Basterds

 5

Im always amazed by the phenomenon of excellent and poor reviews for cutting edge movies. It happened to Scarface in the 80's and more recently Borat. Yes it is a very obvious social commentary, and the fact that it is based in South Africa makes puts an ironic twist on it. There are so many implications set up in this movie. The plight of a refugee. The plight of Black South Africans and the possibility of aliens coming to our planet. These aside, this movie is all action in a grainy, real feeling way. Great fun for humans and Prawns alike. For real.

By The Realist

Disturbing!

 4

I came out of the theater feeling a bit dazed and not sure what the time was. Last time I felt like that was when I watched Jurasic Park.

District 9 is quite disturbing - there are no real good guys - each character has their bad points - just like in real life.

I felt the storyline could have had some more detail in parts. But definately original. Some people say it has elements of other stories but I think only to a vague extent.

Main actor is blimming good! Graphics are excellent! Love the weapon effects! :)

Never seen a movie that mixes comedy, scifi, political message, action and horror all in one.

Much more humour in it than I expected - appealing to different tastes. Different people and groups of people in the theater reacted to different parts they found humerous. At one stage my friend and I got the giggles and couldn't shut-up laughing over something which noone else seemed to find funny - difficult to explain why without writing an essay about it.

Go see it - its definately something you have to see. The full effect on the big screen will be best - you have to feel it!

By michael

poor prawns

 4

new fresh and well done top movie funny lots of splatter. a great take on the old sth Africa worth a watch.

By leon k

love!

 5

Just awesome... its not often that a movie with a genre like this that makes you sit back and really think about whats going on in this world... its actually thought provoking!!!! I found myself saying "my god how could they" a few times, and even felt pretty sad a few times as well!!!

Just great!!! even the girl liked it!!! best film so far this year

By Steve

No subtlety - really obvious metaphors!!

 3

very disappointing! Tried to keep an open mind given the huge reviews but was very disappointed! Borrowed from loads of other films too. Quite slow in parts. The main actor redeemed the film - he was excellent. But there was no chance your brain would have to work too hard. Would probbaly not go and see the sequel, and there is obviously going to be one.

By Elizabeth

Hmmm

 3

I would really like to say that I loved it but I came away not sure whether I was disappointed or bored... sorry! The effects were great & while humorous in parts, the story line was a hohum moral rehash. Don't think I'll even watch it again when it comes to TV.

By Barb

I agree with Hank: a movie worth the cost of a ticket!

 5

My daughter bought the ticket for a Father's Day gift and it was money well spent.

The movie as a whole is better than anything I've seen all year. However, I can't think of anything really new in it and I feel just as manipulated as I would have been watching an environmental documentary.

Like many modern movies, there are no heroes in this one. The "good" guys are not admirable and the "bad" guys are definitely despicable. If the aliens weren't so . . . well, alien then I guess I'd have been rooting for them early on. I think that "Hollywood" would have made the distinction more obvious and avoided so much of the moral ambiguity.

The movie doesn't answer any questions, just gives speculation, about who the aliens are or why they are here on Earth. Again, a North American version would probably be forced to provide more concrete explanations. Also, I like a good story with a good ending and this doesn't have one. But having no info and a relatively flat ending means that the next movie has lots of options for the starting trajectory and little chance of colliding with the facts presented in this movie.

By Mark

Overrated but enjoyable

 3

Don't believe the hype too much. Its a new take on the same old stuff. Comical and and refreshing to have a big budget Sci Fi from South Africa but beyond that its all pretty standard. Got my money's worth but setting up viewers for the sequel in they they did was disappointing. The ending was a let down and the film has nothing particularly deep to say about apartheid or corporations or prejudice that hasn't been said before.

By silas

Far better than most Hollywood stuff

 5

It's a great story, and a well executed movie. It is heaps better than anything in this genre in the last few years.

The R16 rating is for a reason - this isn't a movie to bring kids to.

By John

Ek se, my broer! Wat se!?

 5

Being South African, black and all; I always wait with deep concerm when new movies are released from SA. Same with this, but what a breath of fresh, what a different life, what a revelation. Even though all the that stuff, the langauge, the accent and even racism are still fairly common way of life in, this is such a refreshing insight into the whole human story. The most important thing though is how great, smart and easy this movie is. Way to go!

By vusumzi

Go see it... refreshingly not Hollywood!

 4

...great effects, great acting. Movie that only the Southern Hemisphere could produce, none of that Hollywood Glitz and glamour.

Go the Prawns! And when will you be back to sort us dumb*ss arrogant humans out?

By Tricia

Unfiltered-Real-Shocking....and actually damn good

Days after watching this movie... I'm still processing it.
..Being South African myself could have something to do with why I'm over analysiing it.

I'm nervous that the sequel will depreciate what was created in this movie.

(Never before has a movie (viewed by lillions around the world) captured the amazing cross section of the people, cultures and accents of South Africa.)

By Michael

District 10

 5

This movie rocks big time! It's natural, pseudo-realism stands out.
No over-the top, sentiment, apologies for real violence or machoness. It shows man's inhumanity to man (and alien) A common purpose and morality can be shared across races and species. Sacrifice, friendship,loneliness, betrayal, immoral big business, fear at others differences, humanitys innate selfishness all comes through in this movie. The alien weapons are freaking powerful, and the prawns don't shun the daylight. Very refreshing, and begs for a sequel, that hopefully does it justice. 10/10

By Zee

It's good but not that good.

 3

I can undersand this film's appeal but I was a little disappointed. While elements of it were fresh there were aspects of the story line that irritated me. The "touching ending" was unnecessary and spoilt the film.

By Benny

AWESOME!!

 5

ha finally the saffas do something good without resorting to cheating ;) oh, and they had help from us kiwis so no wonder it was so damn good!!

By Wade

What a load of rubbish!

 1

i was so diapointed with this movie! peter jackson what were you thinking???? great idea badly written and acted, south africean accents where annoying and the actors rubbish! wish i had left after 5 minutes.....dont waste your time or money

By wayne

AWE!!!

 4

District 9... This movie is compassionate, believable, full of action, drama, and a little bit of humour with amazing graphic and sound effects.

I sat down to watch District 9 in the back row of the theatre. I was relaxed, laid back, munching down my lollies and drink.... by the end of this movie I was literally on the edge of my seat with my hands over my mouth in complete awe. This could have only been accomplished by someone of Peter Jackson's skill and creativity. As hard to believe as the storyline sounds, as if out of a video game, I found myself almost believing it was real and even almost relating to a lot of it. It shows natural and basic human reaction to what we see as different.

It starts out as if showing a documentary, or news report. And before you know it, without even realising it, it becomes a story. The way it has all the different components integrated into this movie is ingenious. I found myself looking in horror, laughing, crying, and staring in amazement, trying to figure out what is going to happen next. It gets your mind going and your heart pumping right until the very end. You will walk out of the movie theatre with that classic feeling of a lost sense of direction mixed with a wonder of what is going to happen to the main characters after all this. I kind of expected to see what they called ‘Prawns’ (aliens) walking on the street as I exited the theatre.

The only reason I give this movie a 4 out of 5 is because I want to know what happens next. District 9 was ended at a point that would suit most movies and storylines, but I got so into the story this time that I felt I was right there watching and that a lifeline had been cut when the credits started to scroll. If you’re into action, drama, comedy, thriller, whatever... I don't care, this movie is for you!! It's a must see.

By Richard

GET OFF THE COUCH AND SEE THIS MOVIE.

 5

This movie, had no plot wholes, my i remind you, if you cannot handle blood/gore, DO NOT WACTH THIS MOVIE. there is parts, where the alien technology explodes humans into gravy meat O_O but for the people afriad of this, its not the whole movie dont be quit to judge it, id say in my opinion, the best movie ive seen, but undoubtable, the best movie off the summer. it is a movie, that you will sit down with your lesbian mother in law, and wacth just so you can see this movie >:O.

the plot was a bit original, it was alot like the old movie "Alien Nation" but, the plot aliens crash, we inslave them the leader is a asswhole to them, he turns out to see how it is he sacrifices him self for them... but it is alot like a movie, erm lets say racism movie. like nazi's there in a death camp and theres the rasist arswhole, who is a dick to everyone, figues out he is actualy decended from jewish people, and risks his life to save everyone,after seeing how it realy is.


long story short, plot is like alot of other plots but it is worth wacthing, best use of the plot and even though it is predictable, it is (in my opinion) the best movie i have seen, in a good. long. while

5 stars! WACTH IT

By Brandon

By transformers 2

good but over-rated

 4

i really like this movie and enjoyed watching it but these days alian movies are so last century.

By LILITH

Magnificent

Watch and learn Hollywood, how a great movie can be made with no glaring holes in the plot, predictability or typical formula moves.
Let this fantastic and refreshing piece of art show those losers who ruined terminator 4, what they might have achieved if their eyes were open!!

By Jamie Mcgregor

shockingly Good

 5

A great film that stays with you for days. Very very good.

By kate k

SEE IT!!!

 4

Go to see this movie with an open mind like I did, & I'm sure you will enjoy it immensely. Story, production values, script, special effects (& most are very special), character development, etc., etc., are astounding. It is absolutely refreshing (I know, that word is becoming cliche for this movie, but it's true) to have the story set about as far from the USA & her values as you could get.
Please, please, give yourself the time that it will take to immerse yourself into this film & it will enthrall you. It will be confirmed that there is hope for humanity, if not for humans.

By Kiwi Smith

Awesome

 5

What a great film! Highly recommended! I will definitely be going to see it again at the movies.

Congrats to Peter and all the crew for another sensational film!

Love the south African accent! Prraawn!

By David

 5

Couldn't agree more with all these... superb night at the flicks.

By Paul

Great!

 5

District 9 was a great Movie,it is a very Smart and Original science Fiction Movie! Full of Non Stop Action! Def 1 of the Best Movies of the year it is worth Seeing.. It is Probably the Best Alien Film Ever!!!

By Film Review

Finally a movie worth the cost of a ticket!

 5

What a great movie!!!, enjoyed it to the end and cant wait if theres going to be a sequel. This film is original and surpases most 100 milion+ blockbuster any day. (also the camera work is great in the action scenes, not so chaotic and close-up as many action scenes in other movies have become)

By Hank

 5

Brilliantly constructed film. Highly recommend the short film it was based on, Alive in Johburg.

By Steve

Fooking prawns!

 5

My brother and I managed to snag two of the few remaining tickets to tonight’s preview of District 9 at The Embassy Cinema in Wellington. And lo and behold, Mr Peter Jackson himself showed up to introduce the screening!

He discussed the history of the film and explained how it rose out of the ashes of the failed attempt by Jackson and director, Neill Blomkamp, to adapt the video game Halo for the big-screen. Unfortunately, the studios pulled the plug a few months into pre-production. I say unfortunately as, based on what I saw tonight, I am sure it would have been magnificent! However, before I get ahead of myself, perhaps it was for the best; as had Halo gone ahead we may never have witnessed the might of District 9!

District 9 tells the tale of aliens, stranded in refugee camps in Johannesburg for the past 20 years, as their mothership lays dormant above the city. Mysteriously, it has shown no signs of movement since their arrival. As the refugees are evacuated to a new camp far outside the city, dramatic events unfold changing the lives of all of the individuals involved.

To tell much more would ruin the film. Suffice to say that it is engaging and very entertaining. The film offers a nice mix of sci-fi and action, with a little horror thrown in for good measure.

Full review at http://www.24framesasecond.com

By Tim Carter

Refreshing

 5

District 9 is such a refreshing film. I love those 'focking prawn' guns that shoot lightening and explode people. I will definitely keep my eye out for Blomkamp in future.

By Keri Henare

KABLAM!

 5

For a 'low budget' film, this sure had some cool effects. Don't miss this one, it really delivers. Peter Jackson has surely backed a winner here in Blomkamp. Having made a free screening, I'll be going back to spend my money again on this one.

Yay for Prawns!!!

By Rob