Thursday, 29 July 2010
DISTRICT 9 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Joseph B. Mauceri   
Monday, 10 August 2009
RELEASING: Tri-Star Pictures
SYNOPSIS: Over twenty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa’s District 9 as the world’s nations argued over what to do with them.
Now, patience over the alien situation has run out. Control over the aliens has been contracted out to Multi-National United (MNU), a private company uninterested in the aliens’ welfare – they will receive tremendous profits if they can make the aliens’ awesome weaponry work. So far, they have failed; activation of the weaponry requires alien DNA.

The tension between the aliens and the humans comes to a head when an MNU field operative, Wikus van der Merwe (SHARLTO COPLEY), contracts a mysterious virus that begins changing his DNA. Wikus quickly becomes the most hunted man in the world, as well as the most valuable – he is the key to unlocking the secrets of alien technology. Ostracized and friendless, there is only one place left for him to hide: District 9. (Provided by Studio.)
CREW: Director - Neill Blomkamp; Screenplay - Neill Blomkamp & Terri Tatchell; Producer – Peter Jackson; Cinematography - Trent Opaloch; Score - Clinton Shorter; Editing - Julian Clarke; Production Design - Philip Ivey; Costume Designer – Diana Cilliers; Special Effects – The Embassy, Image Engine Design, Weta Workshop, and XYZ-RGB
CAST: SHARLTO COPLEY ... Wikus Van De Merwe; DAVID JAMES… Koobus; JASON COPE… Christopher Johnson; NATHALIE BOLTT... Sarah Livingstone; SYLVAINE STRIKE... Dr Katrina McKenzie; VANESSA HAYWOOD... Tania Van De Merwe; MARIAN HOOMAN... Sandra Van De Merwe; JOHAN VAN SCHOOR... Nicolas Van De Merwe.
OFFICIAL WEB SITE: www.d-9.com
 
Story:                       
$12.50
Direction:                 
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Acting:                    
$12.50
Editing:                   
$12.50
Production Design:
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Special Effects:     
$12.50
Score/Music:         
$12.50
Costumes:
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**REEL Value:
$12.50
- A deeply thought provoking story told with stunning visuals puts DISTRICT 9 in a league with classic sci-fi films like “Solaris,” “Blade Runner,” “Aliens,” and “War of the Worlds.” This is a rare film that resets the bar for both narrative and special effects and will certainly be mimicked by future genre films over the next several years. Like all good science fiction, DISTRICT 9 tells a futuristic story, accented by aliens and their technology, to examine contemporary social issues. While these social issues might be reminiscent of a film like “Alien Nation,” or the television series “V,” DISTRICT 9 takes advantage of current media trends to layer the film with even deeper social issues taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa. Director Neill Blomkamp does a brilliant job of blending all the aspects of his craft to deliver such an extraordinary cinematic experience. He has an amazing local cast that adds to the levels of authenticity and intensity to the film, totally drawing the audience into the film and allowing us to absolutely suspend our disbelief. He blends a variety of shooting styles that at times gives DISTRICT 9 a “Blair Witch Project” feel or gripping war footage suggestive of Alfonso Cuarón’s “Children of Men.” Woven into great directing and acting are these gritty and raw production designs and visual effects. The alien designs are as fascinating as they are frightening. Given the outstanding accomplishments of DISTRICT 9 it’s little wonder that producer Peter Jackson put his name out there to help bring audiences in to see this amazing film. With less then four months left in the year I would be hard pressed to see how DISTRICT 9 would not make my “top ten list” of films for 2009 or several other lists as well.
** Based on the regular $12.50 ticket prices at a Manhattan theater Aug. 14th, 2009.
 
 
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