District 9

Yeah, it is original, but I couldn't get rid of the feeling that the director, in an attempt to kick the audience's ass as much as possible, sometimes overplays his hand, which was especially evident in the insanely action-packed and over-the-top ending. On the other hand, the main idea is really good, the narration in a light documentary style is quite brisk and the depiction of the aliens as despised scum of society feeding on garbage is a really unprecedented touch of diversity, on which everyone has to make their own opinion. I definitely highly recommend watching the film, it’s a shining example of the fact that even with a little you can make quality and suspenseful science fiction that doesn't play games and serves what the viewers expect. That said, I would never call it a cult-classic. 75% (23/05/2012)

Documentary preview spoiled by senseless perspectives "outside", bizarre exaggeration of side lines and glaring logical absurdities. Plus one solid action scene. This script simply hit a wall after ten minutes, as it unfolded into pig soldiers, insane scientists, and ritual-thinking Nigerians. Additionally, the only likable character is the backgrounded alien Christopher, who outshines the selfish Wikus in almost everything. Every battle clash must be accompanied by some bloody effect, prostitutes sleep with aliens (??), and Blomkamp clearly hits the taste of the audience and critical majority, who applaud him for the gritty atmosphere. But it does nothing for me, so for those few solid (although quickly drowned) ideas, just like this. (07/11/2009)

There was a loophole in Hollywood, and a guy who is no stranger to the word "compromise" slipped into the A-list mainstream. I’m glad Peter Jackson gave Neill Blomkamp the chance to make an incredibly engrossing and captivating sci-fi for a ridiculous thirty million. The film squeezes out the subject matter to the last drop, and then there are the special effects sequences. The feeling of "this is how it might actually happen..." beats the viewer over the head in every scene, and yet it doesn't falter in its pace. Objectively, I could ask several "why and how?" questions, but subjectively, I was ecstatic the whole time. If Blomkamp really does make a "Halo" movie, I want to see "Hal-Life" from him too, the guy’s got what it takes! I hope he succeeds. (20/09/2009)

In a word: Amazing. In more words: The way that District 9 rubs shoulders with all the recent sci-fi "sensations" like Transformers, Terminator Salvation and, ultimately, Avatar is astounding. I haven't seen such an original film, full of fresh ideas, engagingly shot and, as far as the main character is concerned, superbly acted in a long, long time. It takes more than ordinary talent to make a sci-fi action spectacle that also contains a deep, topical and a very pressing idea. And Neill Blomkamp seems to have plenty of it (Jackson knows who to put his money into). To all this I add the exotic South African setting, the music, the flawlessly made aliens and the documentary style that really draws you into the story... This amounts to five honest, 100% stars. (18/08/2010)

To be honest, things have been going downhill for the sci-fi genre for a long time, at least since the famous Star Wars films by Lucas. Too often, both viewers and creators confuse it with the popular fantasy genre, which is much easier due to its fairy tale themes. Pure sci-fi films are rare and are often made according to a certain template, for safety reasons. Blomkamp's District 9 is a very pleasant innovation and a combination of several subgenres into one spectacular and satisfying spectacle. In its essence, it is a simple story in the style of a straightforward adventure, interwoven with many action elements of classic sci-fi, spiced up by a documentary introduction and an interesting anti-hero in the lead role. Sharlto Copley does not look or act like a positive character for most of the runtime; instead, he acts like a cynical opportunist (the scene of the "abortion" of an alien newborn) who is primarily trying to save his own skin. The main motif of District 9 is the racial segregation of different ethnicities and cultures - it is no coincidence that the director placed his story in South Africa... In addition to the cramped environment of South African slums, there are dynamic camera shots that capture action scenes without the viewer losing track for even a moment, unfamiliar actors who are trying their best, a range of directorial ideas, raw dialogue, and overall creativity, which make District 9 look more attractive and visually impressive than many genre counterparts with much higher budgets. The fast pace and tension allow the viewer to overlook certain logical errors (one can only envy Wikus for how quickly he learns to control the combat robot with alien technology) and shortcomings. Although District 9 may not be at the absolute peak of the genre, it is still my nicest cinematic surprise of this year... Overall impression: 85% (20/09/2009)