District 9
A totally original science-fiction movie is a rare beast. Here, we have a strong, original concept, well-executed by Peter Jackson's protege Neill Blomkamp.
Blomkamp has developed an idea he first explored in the short film 'Alive in Joburg': an alien race arrive in South Africa (not the USA, for once) and are forced to live in segregated, slum-like conditions.
For the most part, the movie is shot as a fake documentary. The lead character, Wikus Van De Merwe, guides a camera crew around the huts of District 9, while the back-story is provided in interview soundbites from scientists and historians.
It's a bit odd when the film suddenly shifts away from this fly-on-the- wall format - and turns into a "traditional" action flick. But there's so much to admire here, you're willing to overlook the film's flaws.
Non-actor Sharlto Copley is superb as Wikus (especially when you consider he improvised all his lines); the CGI extra-terrestrials are totally convincing; and the evil corporation at the centre of the story is all too believable.
Like many other films in its genre, 'District 9' can be read as a metaphor, with Blomkamp questioning how we treat the weakest members of our society and suggesting that mankind will ultimately be punished for its prejudices. The film works both as political statement and enjoyable, intelligent entertainment.
