District 9: Review By ParkWilliams

District 9 is one of those movies that turns the expected on its head. There is so much to assume about a film based on its genre, but District 9 defies many elements of modern science fiction to bring an offering both unique and captivating. District 9 succeeds mainly based on one thing, realism. The film is shot and edited in a way that made me feel more like I was watching a special news bulletin than a movie. Peter Jackson proves to be an incredibly resourceful producer, turning out wonderfully lifelike creatures in an equally lifelike environment that is at once dark, gritty, and detailed. Neil Blomkamp gives the film a clear path as we follow the psychological and emotional evolution of the main character as it corresponds to his physical condition. Sharlto Copley is incredible and certainly takes command of the film (which is good, seeing as the whole movie revolves around him). District 9 goes back to the roots of science fiction and delivers a compelling narrative dealing with racism, oppression and violence, and this isn't even scratching the surface of its many latent thematic elements and social comments. The movie simply works on so many levels. It is an engaging sci-fi action epic on top of a shifting, multi-layered examination into mankind's treatment of itself and the world around it. The only thing District 9 left me wanting was more.