District 9

[Watashi]

Trailer (http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/district9/hd/)

Saw this in front of Wolverine.

Could be really amazing if Jackson and Blomkamp can pull it off.

[Watashi]

Information on the plot:


Not much is known about the movie's plot. It is, however, known to be based on Alive in Joburg, a short film (produced by Neill Blomkamp, Sharlto Copley, Simon Hansen and Shanon Worley; Sharlto Copley also portrayed one of the interviewed policemen) about aliens landing in Africa and becoming slaves/migrant workers. In the movie they are called the "Non-Humans" and are forced to work by the fictional company, Multi National United (MNU for short). It seems that MNU is quite racist, as they speak to Non-Humans in harsh tones and give them very little necessities, but do the opposite to humans. Throughout the film, the Non-Humans will try to free themselves from MNU's grasp. The film is a thinly veiled social commentary on the present day anti-Zimbabwean xenophobia found in many parts of South Africa, as well as the apartheid past of South Africa (recall District Six, Cape Town).

[megladon8]

This looks...wow, quite impressive.

Nice to hear Cliff Martinez' score from Solaris used. One of the most underappreciated musical scores ever, in my opinion.

I just have to wonder what the angle will be that explains why the aliens would allow themselves to become slaves. I mean, they have a giant floating city...I think their technology would be advanced enough to like, you know, make us slaves.

I'm certainly intrigued. I thought that was a really great trailer. One of the most original concepts I've seen in quite some time.

Between this and Moon, 2009 should be a great year for sci-fi fans.

Not to mention Star Trek :)

[[ETM]]

I'm certainly intrigued. I thought that was a really great trailer. One of the most original concepts I've seen in quite some time.

Well, since Alien Nation for sure.

I've seen this before, Jackson was impressed by Blomkamp's work, I remember seeing footage... I think some of it is in the trailer. So a full feature? Nice.

[megladon8]

;158134']Well, since Alien Nation for sure.

I've seen this before, Jackson was impressed by Blomkamp's work, I remember seeing footage... I think some of it is in the trailer. So a full feature? Nice.


Yeah, it's based on the short film Alive in Joburg.

Watch it here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ1vHRs_EOs)

[Skitch]

WOW. Maybe he can move forward on Halo then?

[megladon8]

WOW. Maybe he can move forward on Halo then?


IMDb retards think this is Halo.

[[ETM]]

Yeah, it's based on the short film Alive in Joburg.

Watch it here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ1vHRs_EOs)

Thanks. Yeah, now I remember where I saw this, it all clicked when Skitch mentioned Halo.

[Watashi]

I'm interested in what D_Davis thinks. This looks right up his alley.

[D_Davis]

I think it looks cool.

Hopefully it focuses on the social side of the narrative and doesn't turn into an action flick.

I like the atmosphere in the trailer.

I couldn't hear it very well (at work), but why was the alien's head pixelated out?

[Dukefrukem]

I think it looks cool.

Hopefully it focuses on the social side of the narrative and doesn't turn into an action flick.

I like the atmosphere in the trailer.

I couldn't hear it very well (at work), but why was the alien's head pixelated out?

I was asking myself the same question.

[number8]

Because it's a mockumentary, and the idea is that the documentarians couldn't get hold of those refugee aliens to secure a release form, therefore they can't show their faces, or the aliens simply refuse consent to be shown on camera. They do that in docs.

[D_Davis]

Because it's a mockumentary, and the idea is that the documentarians couldn't get hold of those refugee aliens to secure a release form, therefore they can't show their faces, or the aliens simply refuse consent to be shown on camera. They do that in docs.

Ahh...got it.

[Qrazy]

I'm getting tired of all these gimmick films. Found footage monster attacks. Mockumentary alien immigration. Fuck off already.

[Watashi]

I'm getting tired of all these gimmick films. Found footage monster attacks. Mockumentary alien immigration. Fuck off already.
How is this a gimmick?

Would you rather have a straightforward ID4-rehash?

[[ETM]]

I'm getting tired of all these gimmick films. Found footage monster attacks. Mockumentary alien immigration. Fuck off already.

Some of us revel in the... strange approach. From my point of view, there are too many people making films you want to see, Qrazy. Let us have our fun.:pritch:

[D_Davis]

I'm getting tired of all these gimmick films. Found footage monster attacks. Mockumentary alien immigration. Fuck off already.

If it was Russian you'd love it.

[[ETM]]

If it was Russian you'd love it.

Ooh, that's actually very cool. Alien Gulag 9.

[trotchky]

I'm getting tired of all these gimmick films. Found footage monster attacks. Mockumentary alien immigration. Fuck off already.

The atmosphere 'n' shit shown here is not like anything I've seen in a feature. Closest thing it reminds me of is Primer. If they pull it off, could be great.

[Ezee E]

Looks great.

[Watashi]

Ha. Everyone booed this trailer at an X-Men screening I walked into. A few guys complained because there were no explosions or hot chicks (the Transformers 2 trailer was just before it).

[megladon8]

I've often thought to myself that if aliens ever just showed up here on Earth and said "we want to live here", there's really not much we could do about it.

The fact that they're capable of inter-stellar travel means their technology is leagues ahead of ours, so I doubt they'd be threatened by even our most advanced weaponry.

[number8]

I've often thought to myself that if aliens ever just showed up here on Earth and said "we want to live here", there's really not much we could do about it.

The fact that they're capable of inter-stellar travel means their technology is leagues ahead of ours, so I doubt they'd be threatened by even our most advanced weaponry.

That's pretty much how third world countries feel about America.

I was still in Indonesia when 9/11 happened. When Afghanistan started, there was a strong belief that we, having the biggest Muslim population in the world, would be occupied too. Everyone I knew shat their pants at the thought, and people on the news were freaking out. It was pretty scary.

[Qrazy]

How is this a gimmick?

Would you rather have a straightforward ID4-rehash?

No, I would like the same film with the same plot minus the mockumentary approach.

[Qrazy]

If it was Russian you'd love it.

Well yeah of course, cause it would be better.


Ooh, that's actually very cool. Alien Gulag 9.

See?

[[ETM]]

No, I would like the same film with the same plot minus the mockumentary approach.

I have a feeling the best bits will derive from the mockumentary approach itself.

[Lasse]

I think this looks great. I will definitely check out the short film.

Several film sites in Denmark call this a viral trailer. I don't see what's so viral about it? Pretty straight-forward, isn't it?

[thefourthwall]

Yes, please. I'm going to be honest; I love didactic sci-fi.

[Qrazy]

;158441']I have a feeling the best bits will derive from the mockumentary approach itself.

I have a feeling that you're right, given that the film is a mockumentary and so any best bits would by their very nature be a part of the mockumentary approach. :P

[[ETM]]

I have a feeling that you're right, given that the film is a mockumentary and so any best bits would by their very nature be a part of the mockumentary approach. :P

No, I meant the mockumentary approach will provide for specific exploration of the story which will be its most intriguing material. I can't see the "straight" version as being more interesting as a result.

[Qrazy]

;158449']No, I meant the mockumentary approach will provide for specific exploration of the story which will be its most intriguing material. I can't see the "straight" version as being more interesting as a result.

I was kidding.

---

But on a serious note if you're referring to the themes of segregation/immigration/alienation etc I see no reason why these themes would necessarily be better explored in a mockumentary format. Just give it a political slant. The Wire explores political dynamics without resorting to a mockumentary approach.

And on the issue of 'increased realism' I don't find these approaches (here, Cloverfield, Rec, Blairwitch, etc) really add that element to a substantial effect. The 'realism' of the piece is much more a product of the approach to the material, rather than the faux-interview, faux-documentary approach.

[[ETM]]

I was kidding.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn13/etmassey/hanleia.jpg

I KNOW.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I'm really creeped out right now.

[[ETM]]

I'm really creeped out right now.

:pritch:

[Fezzik]

I saw the trailer in front of Wolverine as well. I'm definitely interested in seeing it.

Bonus points for the trailer because it caught me off guard.

I saw the "They were not...wanted" and the "They were not...accepted" lines on the screen and figured it was about a foreign army occupying somewhere.

Then the "They were not...human" popped up and I went "wait...what?" out loud....so kudos on a nicely thrown curveball.

[Lasse]

http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/district9tease.jpg

[Sven]

Looked maybe promising until the alien's face was fuzzed out. Sooooo lame. I hate cute-for-the-sake-of-cute.

[Sven]

Because it's a mockumentary, and the idea is that the documentarians couldn't get hold of those refugee aliens to secure a release form, therefore they can't show their faces, or the aliens simply refuse consent to be shown on camera. They do that in docs.

Dumb.

[[ETM]]

Dumb.

Are you saying "They all look the same to me" here? Huh?

[Sven]

;158659']Are you saying "They all look the same to me" here? Huh?

I am confused.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Dumb.

I think you're rushing to judgment here. What if it's one particular alien whose face is fuzzed out, while the rest interviewed are shown in full detail? That would still be too "cutesy" for you? Seems a bit odd.

[[ETM]]

I am confused.

Really?

The aliens' design seems pretty... alien, and it might not be easy, or possible at all, for us, now, to differentiate them. I think masking the "face" of the interviewee fits perfectly with the issues of racism (or rather "speciesism") and segregation that I'm certainly hoping we will be seeing in the movie. I'm sure you've heard "All Asians/blacks/white people look the same to me" before? I thought you'd get the joke.

[Acapelli]

Looked maybe promising until the alien's face was fuzzed out. Sooooo lame. I hate cute-for-the-sake-of-cute.
how is it cute?

[megladon8]

I, too, don't see how it's cute.

[Acapelli]

"how adorable is that alien being interrogated?"

"i know! i think the pixellation makes him extra cute!"

"if he has cheeks i would so pinch them."

[Ezee E]

Yeah, nothing cute about that at all. Rephrase your sentence.

[Sven]

You guys are being willfully obtuse about the use of "cute" to define tackiness. How about "precious"? It's a lame mockumentary trope that is being utilized to further the gimmicky aesthetic. I can't say that it's "just" that, obviously, because I haven't seen the film, but I'm fairly confident in saying that, given the context of the trailer and the extended commercial that was the short film, the blurring will serve little thematic point that isn't already terribly obvious.

[megladon8]

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/8494/obtuse.png


Obtuse??

[Raiders]

I don't know. Seems likely that the news reporters in that instance probably would have, a) not gotten permission to use the identity of the alien and/or, b) are possibly protecting his identity. So, I would say in context it isn't "cutesy" whatsoever and there is plenty of obtuse-ness to go around.

Of course, this is conjecture on everyone's part since nobody has seen the movie. But your criticism strikes me as very petty.

Maybe if Jackson wasn't producing you would have been more favorable. :P

[Sven]

I guess I'm just at a loss as to how someone could see the fuzz and not have the obviousness of its lameness hit like a battering ram. It'll happen eventually, I'm sure, but for now I suppose I will have to remain confused.

[Ezee E]

I guess I'm just at a loss as to how someone could see the fuzz and not have the obviousness of its lameness hit like a battering ram. It'll happen eventually, I'm sure, but for now I suppose I will have to remain confused.
Which is fine. After all, we don't understand the context of it.

I even wonder if the blur was there because they don't want to reveal their faces? Or if CGI still needs to be done.

[D_Davis]

One time I was watching this show about mafia informants, and during the interview they had the dude's face blurred out and his voice disguised. God that mad me so mad. I was like, quit being so precious, that is such a tired old cliche. It felt like I was watching a bad movie.

[Qrazy]

I guess I'm just at a loss as to how someone could see the fuzz and not have the obviousness of its lameness hit like a battering ram. It'll happen eventually, I'm sure, but for now I suppose I will have to remain confused.

I just see the fuzz as an extension of the overall gimmick. So join me in my annoyance with the far reaching gimmick and not the specific fuzz.

[Sven]

One time I was watching this show about mafia informants, and during the interview they had the dude's face blurred out and his voice disguised. God that mad me so mad. I was like, quit being so precious, that is such a tired old cliche. It felt like I was watching a bad movie.

You know that this is a weak response.

[Derek]

God help me, but I'm with Sven and Qrazy on this one.

[Qrazy]

God help me, but I'm with Sven and Qrazy on this one.

God will not help you, welcome to our league of Satanists.

[Boner M]

Looks like a JJ Abrams production, in that it'll likely be lame gimmicky bullshit that'll make me dry-heave.

[Raiders]

It has already been confirmed to NOT just be some dude running around with a camera, filming everything for no reason.

Are all mockumentaries now automatically bullshit? Were they only cool back when they were a new thing?

[Boner M]

Are all mockumentaries now automatically bullshit? Were they only cool back when they were a new thing?
:rolleyes:

[Raiders]

:rolleyes:

OK. But that doesn't answer my question why this film is automatically labeled gimmicky bullshit.

[Boner M]

OK. But that doesn't answer my question why this film is automatically labeled gimmicky bullshit.
I said it'd 'likely' be that, which is why I'm reserving judgement. There is nothing in that trailer that doesn't look like gimmicky zeitgeist-humping high-concept fecal matter (cf; Cloverfield), like the work of a teenager who spends far too much time thinking about ways to legitimitise his geeky pursuits as something far more important. But these are only impressions based on a few minutes worth of footage, much like everything posted on this basically useless but highly enjoyable sub-forum.

[Sycophant]

much like everything posted on this basically useless but highly enjoyable sub-forum.

This is my petition to rename this subforum "Forward-Looking Snap Judgments."

[D_Davis]

I'm sick of the gimmicks filmmakers use to make audiences cry or laugh. I mean, come on. Tragedy and comedy are so freaking played out. Those conventions were old when Shakespeare was making movies back in the day. Filmmakers should come up with some new emotions to exploit - stupid filmmakers.

[Qrazy]

I'm sick of the gimmicks filmmakers use to make audiences cry or laugh. I mean, come on. Tragedy and comedy are so freaking played out. Those conventions were old when Shakespeare was making movies back in the day. Filmmakers should come up with some new emotions to exploit - stupid filmmakers.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/IDIifferentname/LOLWUT-Russian.jpg

[Watashi]

I said it'd 'likely' be that, which is why I'm reserving judgement. There is nothing in that trailer that doesn't look like gimmicky zeitgeist-humping high-concept fecal matter (cf; Cloverfield), like the work of a teenager who spends far too much time thinking about ways to legitimitise his geeky pursuits as something far more important. But these are only impressions based on a few minutes worth of footage, much like everything posted on this basically useless but highly enjoyable sub-forum.
I don't see the comparisons to Cloverfield at all.

You're really reaching.

[Fezzik]

I'm sick of the gimmicks filmmakers use to make audiences cry or laugh. I mean, come on. Tragedy and comedy are so freaking played out. Those conventions were old when Shakespeare was making movies back in the day. Filmmakers should come up with some new emotions to exploit - stupid filmmakers.

Ben Lyons, is that you?

[megladon8]

I'm sick of the gimmicks filmmakers use to make audiences cry or laugh. I mean, come on. Tragedy and comedy are so freaking played out. Those conventions were old when Shakespeare was making movies back in the day. Filmmakers should come up with some new emotions to exploit - stupid filmmakers.


We should incorporate emoticons into more films.

Looks like Moon is ahead of the game.

[Sven]

I'm sick of the gimmicks filmmakers use to make audiences cry or laugh. I mean, come on. Tragedy and comedy are so freaking played out. Those conventions were old when Shakespeare was making movies back in the day. Filmmakers should come up with some new emotions to exploit - stupid filmmakers.

Your retorts are significantly less impressive than they've been in the past. Are you feeling alright? Marriage okay?

[Boner M]

I hate everyone.

[D_Davis]

Your retorts are significantly less impressive than they've been in the past. Are you feeling alright? Marriage okay?

You're retorted.

[Derek]

This is my petition to rename this subforum "Forward-Looking Snap Judgments."

I'm all for "Optimistic Forward-Looking Snap Judgments to Which Those Who Disagree Can Get Their Elitist Asses Out of Here and Feel Free To Have Sexual Intercourse With Themselves And So On". If it fits.

[Sycophant]

I'm all for "Optimistic Forward-Looking Snap Judgments to Which Those Who Disagree Can Get Their Elitist Asses Out of Here and Feel Free To Have Sexual Intercourse With Themselves And So On". If it fits.

Okay. Who do I have to thank for making this happen?

[Raiders]

Okay. Who do I have to thank for making this happen?

Well, me, but it was Derek's idea obviously.

[Sycophant]

Well, you both get rep, then, for giving me my first out-loud laugh this morning.

[Skitch]

I really don't think it is, but after seeing the trailer on the big screen...is there any chance this is some goofball secret marketing ploy and this really is Halo?

[megladon8]

I really don't think it is, but after seeing the trailer on the big screen...is there any chance this is some goofball secret marketing ploy and this really is Halo?


I really don't think so. And I hope not.

I really don't care about a Halo movie. It would take one hell of a screenwriter to make me give a damn about Master Chief.

[Dukefrukem]

I really don't think it is, but after seeing the trailer on the big screen...is there any chance this is some goofball secret marketing ploy and this really is Halo?

That would be awesome if it was even though I too have no interest in a Halo movie.

[Sycophant]

Why would they want to shoot a Halo movie in secret? Afraid of all that free publicity Kotaku would give them every day?

[Qrazy]

I really don't think it is, but after seeing the trailer on the big screen...is there any chance this is some goofball secret marketing ploy and this really is Halo?

No. There is no chance of that.

[Skitch]

Why would they want to shoot a Halo movie in secret? Afraid of all that free publicity Kotaku would give them every day?

I don't see it either, I just am wondering, "Has marketing gotten that weird that they would do such a looney thing?"

[megladon8]

I think if it were a Halo movie, they'd be taking every chance they could get to tell you so.

Even if the movie wasn't going to be released 'til 2011, there'd already be billboards and teasers and interviews where Peter Jackson says for the millionth time how he and the cast and crew of Lord of the Rings spent all their down-time playing the game.

[Bosco B Thug]

Yes, please. I'm going to be honest; I love didactic sci-fi. Yeah, after all the Godard I've been watching, I think I like didactic. It can be really good sometimes.

In line with that, I give a lot of credit to the "mockumentary" approach; that has got to be a guarantee that it'll be more learned and exploratory than the other "raw footage" horror flicks of late.

I for one am surprised this is getting a wide studio release. Is it? I assumed so since the trailer was attached to Wolverine. No bankable stars, a lofty high-concept experiment, takes place in the Third World seemingly free of an identifiable hero character...

[Qrazy]

Yeah, after all the Godard I've been watching, I think I like didactic. It can be really good sometimes.

In line with that, I give a lot of credit to the "mockumentary" approach; that has got to be a guarantee that it'll be more learned and exploratory than the other "raw footage" horror flicks of late.

I for one am surprised this is getting a wide studio release. Is it? I assumed so since the trailer was attached to Wolverine. No bankable stars, a lofty high-concept experiment, takes place in the Third World seemingly free of an identifiable hero character...

Not really.

[D_Davis]

I love didactic sci-fi.

Do you read Theodor Sturgeon? If not, you should.

[Raiders]

Do you read Theodor Sturgeon? If not, you should.

Indeed. He's probably my favorite. I think I've said it around here before, but Some of Your Blood is my favorite horror/sci-fi novel.

[D_Davis]

Indeed. He's probably my favorite. I think I've said it around here before, but Some of Your Blood is my favorite horror/sci-fi novel.

It's an absolute masterpiece, that's for sure. Sturgeon can be very didactic, as a matter of fact it is in this that he excels. I don't think I've read a thing by him that didn't have a purpose, and a message to convey. He often wrote solely for the purpose of being didactic: Venus Plus X is a great example, or The [Widget], The [Wadget], and Boff. But most of all is his story If All Men Are Brother, Would You Let One Marry Your Sister?, in which he explores the taboo of incest.

Even Some of Your Blood has a very strong message. Often times, he uses his character to explore the questions he asks about societal norms.

[Bosco B Thug]

Not really. Don't worry, I'm not as impressed with the film's premise as much as it sounds. It's a bit of a habit of mine to search for words. For sure "experiment" was probably off-the-mark.

[Watashi]

Here is the trailer with the blur removed and subtitles added.

http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/05/06/district-9-teaser-trailer-the-uncensored-version/#more-27409

[D_Davis]

I am NOT seeing this crappy movie if that alien's head isn't blurred out. It's probably the most important cinematic happening since The Happening.

[megladon8]

I predict that this film will be very depressing.

We'll probably wipe the aliens out completely, and then after they're all dead we'll realize their piss is the cure for cancer or something.

Well, probably not that...but still. I don't predict "and we all lived in harmony and everything was wonderful".

[D_Davis]

I think when we kill them the doctors will realize that they are wearing masks, and underneath their masks we will discover that their real faces are blurry.

[Watashi]

Poster:

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/zz6a0171e8-440x650.jpg

[Qrazy]

Decent poster. Also the alien's spaceship makes me think Laputa (Gulliver not Miyazaki... but same difference I suppose).

[D_Davis]

Why is the sky purple? That's stupid. I'm not going to see a movie that is supposed to be set on Earth if the sky is going to be portrayed the wrong color.

LAME.

[Qrazy]

Why is the sky purple? That's stupid. I'm not going to see a movie that is supposed to be set on Earth if the sky is going to be portrayed the wrong color.

LAME.

http://www.province-quebec.com/photos/diverses/arret.jpg

[D_Davis]

Is that Russian?

[Qrazy]

Is that Russian?

http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/798/50103027.JPG

[Sven]

Why is the sky purple? That's stupid. I'm not going to see a movie that is supposed to be set on Earth if the sky is going to be portrayed the wrong color.

LAME.

You're not even making a point anymore.

[D_Davis]

You're not even making a point anymore.

Was I ever?

I forget.

[Sven]

Was I ever?

I forget.

It certainly seemed like you started this spat of faux-idiocy in response to the negative reactions to the fuzz. If not, I apologize. In any case, listen to Qrazy. That is the last time I will ever suggest that anybody do that.

[megladon8]

I can forgive Sven's not liking da fuzz because he considers Ravenous a masterpiece.

Which it is.

So we're all good.

[lovejuice]

finally i watch the trailer and can now enter this great match-cut debate...

...and i'm undecided. does the movie mean to be a comedy or a more serious mockcumentary? if anything i agree with sven that the "cute" pixelated alien effect seems to be at odd with what came before that. with some contexts, it might work.

[D_Davis]

It certainly seemed like you started this spat of faux-idiocy in response to the negative reactions to the fuzz. If not, I apologize. In any case, listen to Qrazy. That is the last time I will ever suggest that anybody do that.

That's like ancient net-history dude.

I've moved on.

[Sven]

I've moved on.

We wish we could say to better and brighter things...

[D_Davis]

We wish we could say to better and brighter things...

To brilliant and glorious things, too amazing to reveal.

[Qrazy]

It certainly seemed like you started this spat of faux-idiocy in response to the negative reactions to the fuzz. If not, I apologize. In any case, listen to Qrazy. That is the last time I will ever suggest that anybody do that.

Or so you think. Until you do it again. Which you will. And then you'll eat those words. Oh you'll eat them all right. With a spork.

[megladon8]

I made a spork in high school shop class.

[Qrazy]

I made a spork in high school shop class.

Out of?

[megladon8]

Out of?


Wood.

[Winston*]

Poster:

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/zz6a0171e8-440x650.jpg

Abe's Oddysey?

[Qrazy]

Wood.

Nicely done.

[number8]

True. You gotta have wood before you can start sporking.

[megladon8]

Neat-o advertisement being put up around America to look like real job flyers...

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1176/47574736.jpg

[number8]

It's been cool. I've now seen a dozen bus stops in San Francisco with the "THIS BUS STOP IS FOR HUMANS ONLY" posters.

[number8]

Theatrical trailer (http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809961221/trailer)

Looks like it's not going to be all mockumentary.

[[ETM]]

Whoa... exoskeletons? Butt in seat, brother. Opening day.

[Ezee E]

I'm sold.

[Morris Schæffer]

Pretty cool. I sort of understand now why Blomkamp was ever mentioned in the same breath as Halo.

[Dukefrukem]

That looks great. I love how they kept the spraying pipe bomb thing a mystery on what it actually does. It's obviously a key part of the movie.

[MadMan]

Neat-o advertisement being put up around America to look like real job flyers...

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1176/47574736.jpgThere's a similar poster like that in the movie theater I work at. Only it says that "Non-Humans Must Take the Stairs," and it was placed on the elevator that leads to the Game Room on the second floor. Awesome.

That trailer was pretty sweet. This movie could have some strong political elements to go along with the action sequences, which is cool.

[Sycophant]

Whatever this is exactly, I'm going to watch it. Intriguing trailer.

[Spun Lepton]

Yeah, the more I see the trailers and TV spots for this, the more I'm anticipating it. I may break my "never see a movie on the opening weekend" rule for this one. (If I manage to get to the theater at all, I mean.)

The moment they showed the alien saying, "We just want to go home," I was hooked.

[Morris Schæffer]

the early word is pretty great:

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/district_9/

[Watashi]

As if no one saw it coming, Armond White gives the film its first negative review.

[Boner M]

I dunno, this one still screams 'bullshit' to me.

[Boner M]

Just noticed Armond championed You, the Living in his review, a surefire way to ensure that no one will see You, the Living now. :(

EDIT: Umm... I noticed that Armond did something uncharacteristic in his review by actually favourably shouting out a fellow critic:


Not ominously beautiful like the civilization-in-peril tableau that caps Roy Andersson’s You, the Living (critic John Demetry described that climax as a “revelation out of [Morrissey’s] ‘Everyday Is Like Sunday’”).

Seeing as that quote sounded eerily Armond-esque, I decided to look up who this John Demetry character is, and HOLY SHIT (http://www.johndemetry.blogspot.com/).

[Watashi]

Pretty sure Armond White is just shouting out to himself.

[Raiders]

I like that White's prejudices are so obvious he gets to the point in his review that he namechecks Jackson (producer credit only) more often than Blomkamp (writer/director and also created the short this is based on).

But really, it is an interesting angle. He looks at the film almost entirely on how fair it is to the historical apartheid and the conditions surrounding that, though this tunnel-vision does not allow the film to tell its own story.

Ultimately though, I'm kind of sick of us bringing him up. I care as much about his negative review as I do all the positive ones. They provide thought and perhaps perspective but they don't influence me in any way.

[Boner M]

Pretty sure Armond White is just shouting out to himself.
I can't believe I never noticed his shout-outs before.

From his Wrestler review: worthy of how critic John Demetry described Frank Borzage heroes as “photographed to look like angels.”

From his Diving Bell and the Butterfly review: Critic John Demetry noted that Haynes and Van Sant both avoid using their subjects’ actual names.

From his Vera Drake review: (Vera=truth, critic John Demetry pointed out)

And from John Demetry's blog, pages upon pages of AW sycophancy. (http://johndemetry.blogspot.com/search?q=armond)

This is weird.

[Qrazy]

From his Vera Drake review: (Vera=truth, critic John Demetry pointed out)


Could figure that one out for yourself Armie?

[D_Davis]

Seeing as that quote sounded eerily Armond-esque, I decided to look up who this John Demetry character is, and HOLY SHIT (http://www.johndemetry.blogspot.com/).


Well, his blog's name is based on my favorite Pet Shop Boys song, so I guess I have to love him.

[Sven]

It looks like these two dudes sync up practically 100% at first glance. I credit you, Bone, for pointing this out. An investigation will ensue.

[Watashi]

Even his tastes in music is bad.

How do these people get paid?

[Watashi]

I understand looking up to a critic and/or being a fan, but to pretty much mimic every single tastebud White has is ridiculous.

[Sven]

How do these people get paid?

I know you know this is a stupid question, and it's been asked to death, so please... save it for the comments section on their respective sites and stop boring us.

[Watashi]

I know you know this is a stupid question, and it's been asked to death, so please... save it for the comments section on their respective sites and stop boring us.
I have no intention to ever visit his blog again.

[Boner M]

It looks like these two dudes sync up practically 100% at first glance. I credit you, Bone, for pointing this out. An investigation will ensue.
Pretty sure they're lovers.

[Morris Schæffer]

In any case, I can't wait for this movie. September 30th here in Belgium.

[Boner M]

OK, this rocked.

[Sven]

Boner, I think I'm officially disillusioned re: this AW/JD stuff. I've been reeling a bit. Some iconoclast, giving into the same kind of sycophantry he decries. Perhaps it is simply loyalty to a school of thought, but I can't help but seriously reconsider things now. I am equally bummed and excited about this new path.

[Boner M]

Boner, I think I'm officially disillusioned re: this AW/JD stuff. I've been reeling a bit. Some iconoclast, giving into the same kind of sycophantry he decries. Perhaps it is simply loyalty to a school of thought, but I can't help but seriously reconsider things now. I am equally bummed and excited about this new path.
Aww cheer up, his hypocrisies don't exactly end there.

[Boner M]

Back to the film: I have to say, after some thinking and discussion with my viewing company, I enjoyed this for roughly the same reasons a 12-year-old would dig Transformers. I am convinced - however novel the film's conceit is - that without its zeitgeist-humping and stock liberal sympathies, the critical consensus wouldn't be nearly as positive. Armond, despite going overboard as usual, is generally correct in his assertion that this can't be taken seriously as an Apartheid parable or as any kind of allegory, even if Blomkamp gets points for at least trying. Blomkamp's youth, as well as the short film origins of the project are painfully apparent, since there's roughly a short film's worth of serious thought in the whole thing, and the rest is pure adolescent pop fantasia. There's just too much gleeful emphasis placed on the gore, too much worship of Hollywood convention (however tongue-in-cheek), too much sheer geekery for anything resembling serious thought to emerge, let alone resonate. That classic Simpsons exchange kept buzzing in my head throughout the film's more juvenile stages; "Bart: Cloning is a troubling issue / Homer: I liked it when the mouse killed the cat."

Still, even if the slight smugness of its conceit is a little annoying, it at least has enough of a reason to be smug about itself (unlike Cloverfield). The mockumentary/mixed-media-assault thing works wonders; it's not really followed through, but the tone of those early scenes is pitch perfect. It's like Joe Dante or Paul Verhoeven by the way of Craig Baldwin. Also, Sharlto Copley deserves some major cred for a fantastically game and committed performance; his absolute conviction and emotional range really holds the film together throughout some of the more erratic/ADD stages (even if he resembles Christian Bale to an incredibly distracting degree).

[Acapelli]

roger ebert retracts defense of armond white and calls him a troll


On Thursday night I posted in entry in defense of Armond White's review of "District 9." Overnight I received reader comments causing me to rethink that entry, in particular this eye-popping link supplied by Wes Lawson. I realized I had to withdraw my overall defense of White. I was not familiar enough with his work. It is baffling to me that a critic could praise "Transformers 2" but not "Synecdoche, NY." Or "Death Race" but not "There Will be Blood." I am forced to conclude that White is, as charged, a troll. A smart and knowing one, but a troll. My defense of his specific review of "District 9" still stands. Here is my original entry:

...
http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/08/in_defense_of_armond_white.htm l

[Spun Lepton]

roger ebert retracts defense of armond white and calls him a troll


http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/08/in_defense_of_armond_white.htm l

:lol:

That is three kinds of hilarious.

[megladon8]

Seeing this in T-Minus 90 minutes and counting...

[Amnesiac]

What are the chances that somewhere out there someone has used "Apartheid" in a really glib fashion while talking about this movie? As in, not really having a sense of what the word signifies.

[Spun Lepton]

What are the chances that somewhere out there someone has used "Aparthied" in a really glib fashion while talking about this movie? As in, not really having a sense of what the word signifies.

This is the Internet, what do you think?

[Winston*]

lol, the blurry faced alien isn't in it.

I enjoyed this movie. Like watching a video game in the best possible sense.

[Ezee E]

Yes, the special effects are pretty great and inventive. The weapons are neat, and the location provides for something different, interesting, and worthy of discussion.

But I still found it very conventional. Enough to where it was simply that first half hour, and the kinetic editing that made it well worth seeing. Outside of one good plot twist, I could tell you everything that would happen once we really know what the plot is about.

[BuffaloWilder]

Hopefully, I'm seeing this tomorrow.

[Boner M]

lol, the blurry faced alien isn't in it.
So awesome.

[megladon8]

I thought it was pretty good.

While I was watching the movie I kept getting this nagging feeling that "jeez, the aliens are really too human", but by the end of the film that's, well, a big part of the point, and it's executed intelligently.

This film is totally different from what I expected it to be. I went in pretty confident that I knew what I was going to see, but jeez, I didn't even know what the main plotline was. I attribute this to the very clever ad campaign - even if you've seen the trailers and TV spots, you don't really know the main storyline of the film, nor do you have a true sense of the tone.

It's very far from perfect. I thought its few attempts at broad comedy were various degrees of lame, and while it's not exactly the mind-blowing speculative sci-fi that I expected it to be, it still manages to be both intelligent and emotional.

So, while it may not be a masterpiece of genre filmmaking, District 9 is still quite a good movie, with some astonishing CGI work, a genuinely sympathetic main character, and some brains behind its big explosions.

[megladon8]

I'm actually quite surprised that this was received as well as it was in the critical community.

While the overall parallel to the apartheid is quite obvious, there's a lot of stuff going on beneath the surface. Upon re-thinking it, I might even bump my rating up to a 7.5 or 8.

To many it may seem like a fairly straight-forward action, film, but a lot of the racial subtexts were handled very delicately. I liked that the film didn't just have a "HUMANS ARE THE REAL MONSTERS" message - that was certainly there, but it also addressed atrocities committed on the alien side. Perhaps a bit simplistic in its "two wrongs don't make a right" message, but I thought it was handled well.

And yeah, the CGI really was astonishing. Occasionally the aliens themselves are very obvious CG work, but there are just as many moments where they do achieve photo-realism (if not damn close to it).

The action is spectacular, the lead performance was phenomenal (especially considering this guy has NEVER ACTED BEFORE...holy crap!) and there are sections that feel like Peter Jackson's Dead Alive side took over a little bit - the splattery gore effects cause some real "HOLY SHIT!" moments.

So yeah, like I said in my initial thoughts, it's certainly not flawless, but it's definitely a great piece of sci-fi.

[Fezzik]

I just got back from the theater and I'm still reeling. Seriously, I haven't seen that kind of sci-fi flick in many a year.

As was mentioned, the CGI work is phenomenal. So good, in fact, I was sure they were using puppets at times. There are moments of pure photo-realism.

One thing that really surprised me is how much concern I had for the well being of...

the alien child

To me, that's a sign of a job well done.

This is gonna simmer more, but in short, I freaking loved it. Emotional as hell (with some real gut punch moments), intense as all get out, and full of brilliant little moments.

Also, that final shot...I need a screencap of that. I know by that point it was obvious, but I found it heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.

[megladon8]

Also, that final shot...I need a screencap of that. I know by that point it was obvious, but I found it heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.


Yes!

It was such an incredible note to finish the film off on. I'm glad someone else mentioned it/was affected by it.

Honestly, I want to see this again. I have been thinking about it all freaking day, and every time I think of something I remembered not liking, it kind of warmed up in my memory.

I'll be perfectly happy if we never get a Halo movie, because this is about 100 times better than that could ever be.

[BuffaloWilder]

This is, at the very least, an 8.5.

However, my viewing experience was tempered by my encounter with the bus driver - a long while ago, when I was new in town and hadn't quite worked out the bus routes, I'd had a run in with her - she'd been the bus to take me up to the station, and later on in the night when she had come back around, I went up and I asked her if she still had another run by my street. She became irate and kept repeating, "What does the marquee say, boy? What does the marquee say?" I told her I realized that it read a different destination currently, but I also knew that she was the return bus and did she still have another run down my street - she told me to get off the bus, and so I did, and she closed the door on my arm, and kept driving, only stopping some six or seven feet away to let my arm out.

So, there I was, stranded. Tonight, I meet her again, and she refuses to open the bus door for me - "Listen man," she says, "women can hold grudges a long time, so either you apologize for what happened last time or don't approach this bus when you see me driving." I'm like whaaaa - "but, you were the one who closed the door on my arm --" and, she keeps repeating herself, so I walk off, thank her for the ride, and enter my apartment complex.

[megladon8]

...

I'll not say what I was going to say, but instead just say sorry for that crappy incident, Buffalo.

Glad you enjoyed the movie anyways :)

[BuffaloWilder]

Herm.

[Mara]

Please tell me you're reporting that woman.

[BuffaloWilder]

I tried to report her the last time, but DART never followed up on it, it seems. I should try again.

[megladon8]

Considering she could have caused you serious harm or death, I think she should lose her job to be honest with you.

[BuffaloWilder]

Oh, I agree. I don't know if I'd go as far as getting her fired - I mean, everyone's got to work. But, at the very least get her transferred to some other bus route, given that she's made it known that she'll refuse to pick either myself or my brother up - who also had a run in with her a while back, unrelated.

[megladon8]

Oh, I agree. I don't know if I'd go as far as getting her fired - I mean, everyone's got to work. But, at the very least get her transferred to some other bus route, given that she's made it known that she'll refuse to pick either myself or my brother up - who also had a run in with her a while back, unrelated.


If it's happening with other people as well, she should be fired.

Yes, everyone has to work. But everyone also has a legal right to a public service such as buses, and if she refuses you when you are paying and not giving her a hassle of any kind, she is thereby breaking the law and should be punished.

[BuffaloWilder]

This is true.

[BuffaloWilder]

I'm also a little disillusioned by Roger Ebert - not that he wasn't as enthusiastic as I was about the film, but that his review is, for about the first two thirds of it, the same kind of snark that he made a great deal of decrying. Over and over again, "the film actually takes this seriously, ha ha ha."

[megladon8]

So did anyone else see the trailer for Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant when they went to see this?

My theatre was packed, and there was and overwhelming "WTF???" after that trailer.

Looked like utter trash.

[Henry Gale]

I also loved it and haven't stopped thinking about it all day.

Pretty much agree with what's been said on all points: Awesome action and plotting, incredible lead performance, amazing CG (and remember, even though more than few favours were probably called in the effects department, this had 1/6th of the budget G.I. Joe did... and it looks ten times better) and just so well made overall. It's a really great and thoughtful summer movie with a very unique tone and emotional payoff to it that you don't expect to get from a movie with packed crowds at a multiplex (or to be #1 at the box office).

And the final moment is beautifully done. It really snuck up on me and got me in a way I wasn't expecting without feeling random or tacked on.

[Ezee E]

So did anyone else see the trailer for Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant when they went to see this?

My theatre was packed, and there was and overwhelming "WTF???" after that trailer.

Looked like utter trash.
Very much so. I'm still amazed that there's good talent involved in that. What an awful looking movie.

[BuffaloWilder]

Link.

[Morris Schæffer]

I'll be perfectly happy if we never get a Halo movie, because this is about 100 times better than that could ever be.

How can you know? Granted, Johannesburg is a fabulous location for a movie about extra-terrestrials, and Halo might not be able to compete in terms of subtext, but then we would have to debate whether that's even necessary for a movie to be terrific. Knowing what you know now about Blomkamp's potential, and knowing that both Jackson and Weta would have been equally involved with the Halo movie, is it a stretch to believe that the Halo movie might have bucked the trend? The one about Hollywood repeatedly pissing all over videogames that is.

[BuffaloWilder]

I think I enjoyed this more than I did Moon, as a matter of fact.

Still, every movie could use some Kevin Spacey.

[Skitch]

Wow this was great. I'm seeing again tomorrow.

One of it's best points is its not ruined by its trailers. Didn't know what to expect, and that made the film play even better. Take note, Hollywood.

[megladon8]

Wow this was great. I'm seeing again tomorrow.

One of it's best points is its not ruined by its trailers. Didn't know what to expect, and that made the film play even better. Take note, Hollywood.



Totally agree with you here, Skitch.

People who have seen the trailers still don't have a true sense of the plot, nor of the overall tone of the movie.

Very smart work on the advertising for this one.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I'm probably going to see this sometime early this week.

[Spinal]

I'm probably going to see this sometime early this week.

When you do, keep it in your pants.

[Kurosawa Fan]

When you do, keep it in your pants.

I'm definitely getting a 9 while I'm there.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Alright, alright... 7 1/2.

[Kurosawa Fan]

6. No smal... er, lower.. than 6.

[megladon8]

I want to hear why Derek didn't seem to like this very much. :sad:

[Raiders]

This is one remarkably well-made movie.

[Rowland]

Yeah, this was pretty awesome. Caustic, politically aware satire, propulsive pacing, and agreeably unconventional in tone as summer tent pole releases are concerned. The action-heavy second half, while exciting and not without its share of ideas and drama, does tend to be a bit much at times, and a few contrived character actions suggest the need for another script polish, which also diminishes the emotional plausibility of the film's climax by a hair, but otherwise, I had a great time.

[megladon8]

Didn't you love the final image, Rowland?

I can't get it out of my head.

I got a free movie pass when I paid for it, and I'm thinking I may just go see this again.

[Derek]

I want to hear why Derek didn't seem to like this very much. :sad:

I liked it, but didn't much care for the transition out of faux-doc form or the cliched heroicism of the protag in the final act. Otherwise, it's a well-made, moderately entertaining film that I wish did more with its intriguing concept.

[megladon8]

I liked it, but didn't much care for the transition out of faux-doc form or the cliched heroicism of the protag in the final act. Otherwise, it's a well-made, moderately entertaining film that I wish did more with its intriguing concept.


Yeah I found the transition a little jarring myself, but I honestly thought by the end of the film that it was because of the film's intentionally misleading ad campaign.

As I've been saying, it's a totally different film from anything that was shown to us beforehand. Maybe when it comes to DVD you'll see it again, knowing now what to expect?

[Rowland]

I found the transition masterfully inconspicuous, especially when you consider that the format of the first act (and snippets of later scenes) exists not just to expediate expositional elucidation (today's letter is E!), but to satirize the very "reality" of such a format by revealing it as inherently biased.

[Ezee E]

I liked it, but didn't much care for the transition out of faux-doc form or the cliched heroicism of the protag in the final act. Otherwise, it's a well-made, moderately entertaining film that I wish did more with its intriguing concept.
'Tis my issue as well.

[Raiders]

I liked it, but didn't much care for the transition out of faux-doc form or the cliched heroicism of the protag in the final act. Otherwise, it's a well-made, moderately entertaining film that I wish did more with its intriguing concept.

The film didn't really transition from faux-doc though. The film is certainly never less than about the difference in media-tinged perception and reality, and the entire opening act sets this up via its establishing shots and subsequent hand-held documentation of Wikus coupled with the non-faux-doc moments showing the "other" part to the story, the behind-the-scenes footage of aliens and setting up the storyline. Eventually, once we get the near-exploitation-era sequence where Wikus becomes sick at home to his subsequent escape, the film becomes all about his plight matched with that of the aliens, but it never gives up the frequently brilliant vocal transitions from the images to the interviews of those on the outside of the story.

I also thought the "cliched heroism" fell in step perfectly with the rest of the film. There is still room in cinema for selfless heroics, and I think the film sets up Wikus' decision rather beautifully.

It equates his persecution and separation from his wife with that of Christopher to his son. It is ultimately a decision between two family men and it is there, the bond of family, that the film creates the link between the species. It's a gorgeous moment and I was amazed at how effectively the film made the aliens, through Chris, emotional beings without having to sentimentalize them.

I really can't get over how awesomely made this movie was.

[Fezzik]

I liked it, but didn't much care for the transition out of faux-doc form or the cliched heroicism of the protag in the final act. Otherwise, it's a well-made, moderately entertaining film that I wish did more with its intriguing concept.

I don't think the heroism is cliched at all actually, because I don't consider it true heroism.

Nothing Wikus did was done out of selflessness.

He needed CJ to get to the ship because it was the only way he would be helped.

Hell, when he found out that CJ's original plan had changed, he freaked out, knocked him unconscious and stole the command shuttle.

He was acting like a desperate human being, not a bonafide hero.

I'm not saying that's bad. In fact, I quite like that they painted him that way. I think it made the film stronger.

[megladon8]

Something that bothered me a bit was the almost cartoonish villainy of the bald guy who led the elite SWAT-like team.

It was just a little too over the top.

[BuffaloWilder]

Eh, guy's first movie. I'm forgiving.

[megladon8]

Eh, guy's first movie. I'm forgiving.


Eh...that's not an excuse, really.

The guy who played Wikus had never acted before, and he was phenomenal.

[Rowland]

Something that bothered me a bit was the almost cartoonish villainy of the bald guy who led the elite SWAT-like team.

It was just a little too over the top.Truth be told, I felt the same way about the Nigerian gang.

[Ezee E]

I preferred the Nigerian gang because at least they had a motive. The SWAT guy just wanted to kill.

[BuffaloWilder]

Eh...that's not an excuse, really.

The guy who played Wikus had never acted before, and he was phenomenal.

I thought you were just talking about that character in general.

[megladon8]

I thought you were just talking about that character in general.


I was.

And I thought your rebuttal was referring to his acting skills.

So I'm confused.

[Raiders]

I didn't find the bald guy cartoonish at all. One note certainly, but he struck me as a grunt who viewed the aliens as enemies. He seemed representative of the militant force that looks at the situation in terms only of his mission, of right and wrong, of citizen and non-citizen.

The role the gang played was something I really liked, but I'm curious to know what the cultural and racial make-up of the gangs in real life apartheid, or whatever, really were. The film seemed to make it almost explicitly whites = MNU, blacks = gang. It is an interesting, and perhaps slightly troubling, racial divide.

[megladon8]

I agree with your second paragraph, Raiders. I even thought it was very brave of Blomkamp to show the black gang trying to use voodoo to acquire the powers of the aliens. I imagine there were people who saw that and found it very reductive and perhaps even racially insensitive, but Blomkamp treats it as a mere fact of the situation - many of the uneducated black people in South Africa do still believe heavily in the voodoo arts. The idea of consuming one's enemy and gaining their power.

But as I said, I did find the bald-headed MNU guy to be too much of a caricature. While the overall idea was there - that he is, as you said, a very one-track-minded man..."you (aliens) are the enemy, we (humans) need to kill you". An almost - dare I say - very American character. But he had some lines of dialogue that sounded like stuff out of a comic book, and really betrayed the film's overall gutteral realism.

Even when it diverges from being a faux-documentary, the film still tried as hard as possible to feel very much like "this is really happening", and that cartoonish level of villainy just didn't quite mesh.

[Rowland]

Perhaps the film is simply arguing that from top (MNU) to bottom (Warlords), our race is one predisposed to violence, exploitation, ignorance, and self-interest. The white-dominated, corporatized military complex certainly didn't get off any easier.

[BuffaloWilder]

I was.

And I thought your rebuttal was referring to his acting skills.

So I'm confused.

Naw, man. I was referring to Blomkamp. But, I also kind of agree with Raiders - he's more 'one-note' than he is cartoony. Although, "too tell you tha' truth - I fookin' luv' watchin' aliens die" was a terrible line.

[megladon8]

Yeah, he has a few lines like that throughout the film that bugged me.

I also found his constant scowl a little silly. Might as well have hired Mark Wahlberg for the role.

[BuffaloWilder]

http://images.allmoviephoto.com/2007_Shooter/2007_shooter_001.jpg

Fook

[soitgoes...]

The worst problem with the bald guy isn't that all he wants to do is kill, but that when he's supposed to kill all he does is talk about how he is going to kill. Pull the trigger already! He could've killed both of our protagonists in the last thirty minutes of the film if only he wasn't scripted to buy time in order to build tension.

Some other script problems, but overall a good film nonetheless.

[BuffaloWilder]

Wikus Van De Merwe waited. The lights above him blinked and sparked out of the air. There were secrets in District 9. He didn’t know them, but had expected them for years. His warnings to MNU were not listened to and now it was too late. Far too late now, anyway.
Wikus was a manager for MNU for fourteen years. When he was young he watched the spaceship and he said t dad “I want to abort baby prawns daddy.”
Dad said “NO! YOU WILL BE PRAWNED BY SPACE JUICE”
There was a time when he believed him. Then as he got oldered he stopped. But now in District 9 he knew he would be prawned.
“This is MNU” the radio crackered. “You must evict the Prawns!”
So Wikus gotted his clipboard and threw some cat food.
“CLIKCLAKKITY CLICK!” said the Prawns
“I will prawn his arm” said Christopher and he sprayed the spacejuice. Wikus hit him with a wrench and tried to kidnap his son. But the cannibals captured him and he was unable to evict.
“No! I must evict the Prawns” he shouted
The radio said “No, Wikus. You are the Prawns”
And then Wikus was a spacecrab.

[Wryan]

Absolutely awesome and fascinating. I thought the action was quite enough earned. Wouldn't even mind seeing main man getting some awards nods. Would not mind a bit.

[Sxottlan]

Really enjoyed this one. Generally felt realistic in how humanity would respond to this, although was the MNU representative of all the major world powers? The one thing that kind of nagged me the whole time was would other countries really stand by and allow this, especially considering the Prawn weapons? Kind of sad that we're willing to look the other way when any particular group of humans are persecuted like this, but how about when it's a more advanced civilization? What makes them think a sister ship wouldn't show up and open fire when they saw how they were being treated? Then again, it makes for a great display of human arrogance.

The film did a decent, if quick, job of explaining why the Prawns were so apparently suseptible to being corraled like they were and I loved how the black market grew up around their weapons making it out. If Weta Digital did that battle suit, I'd say that's a pretty good test for any Evangelion film they may do. That this film was made for 30 million absolutely shames many Hollywood features.

I'm rooting for Sharlto to at least get a Golden Globe or SAG nomination. An Oscar nod I really don't think will happen.

If they ever do a sequel, I'd love to see a tale of increased integration between humans and the Prawns. But considering the film's dire final statement, it looks like it's only going to get worse.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Disappointing. I found everything about this film totally average. From the hollow allusions to Apartheid to the plot riddled with holes and cliches. Even the action pieces left something to be desired. A nice concept marred by shoddy execution. I'm hating on it more than I should, and that has something to do with my expectations, but so much of this film was utterly predictable, I'm stunned at the level of praise it's receiving.

[Ezee E]

Disappointing. I found everything about this film totally average. From the hollow allusions to Apartheid to the plot riddled with holes and cliches. Even the action pieces left something to be desired. A nice concept marred by shoddy execution. I'm hating on it more than I should, and that has something to do with my expectations, but so much of this film was utterly predictable, I'm stunned at the level of praise it's receiving.
Here's where I need that "Ezee E likes this" option.

[Derek]

Disappointing. I found everything about this film totally average. From the hollow allusions to Apartheid to the plot riddled with holes and cliches. Even the action pieces left something to be desired. A nice concept marred by shoddy execution. I'm hating on it more than I should, and that has something to do with my expectations, but so much of this film was utterly predictable, I'm stunned at the level of praise it's receiving.

Rep.

[megladon8]

Yikes.

Sorry it was such a disappointment, KF.

Did you at least find the final shot to be, like, really great?

[Kurosawa Fan]

Yikes.

Sorry it was such a disappointment, KF.

Did you at least find the final shot to be, like, really great?

Actually, no. I liked the last moment with the wife. The last shot of him was too much.

I'm sorry too. I had high hopes.

[Sven]

Oh man. What a terrible film. I can't think of another single film where every single element seems ill-advised. Lame inexplicable plot cliches, fractured action, politically foul, emotionally chortle-worthy. I like the scary black guys the best.

[Watashi]

http://i.somethingawful.com/u/garbageday/armondwhite2.jpg

[BuffaloWilder]

You know, I'm beginning to agree with that notion more and more.

[Sven]

Both of you suck. I can form my own goddamn opinions. Imaginary negative rep.

[Watashi]

Both of you suck. I can form my own goddamn opinions. Imaginary negative rep.
It's all in good jest, Svenosos White.

[BuffaloWilder]

Pfft.

[Sven]

It's all in good jest, Svenosos White.

It's pretty lame and boring jest. You're wasting bandwidth and provoking me to do the same.

[Raiders]

I knew Sven would hate this. Nothing to do with Armond, I just knew immediately it wasn't his kinda flick. I sort of was hoping he'd skip it for both of our sakes.

[Ezee E]

Both of you suck. I can form my own goddamn opinions. Imaginary negative rep.
I agree Sven. Although I don't hate it as much as you because I think that opening half hour is impressive, and the use of special effects is pretty damn amazing.

That last action sequence though is nearly gagworthy as I think about it. A kid in peril, the main character finding an answer, a bimbo villain that talks non-stop.

[BuffaloWilder]

It's pretty lame and boring jest. You're wasting bandwidth and provoking me to do the same.

As opposed to - what?

D'ogh.

[Sven]

I knew Sven would hate this. Nothing to do with Armond, I just knew immediately it wasn't his kinda flick. I sort of was hoping he'd skip it for both of our sakes.

Inglourious Basterds started too late.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Oh man. What a terrible film. I can't think of another single film where every single element seems ill-advised. Lame inexplicable plot cliches, fractured action, politically foul, emotionally chortle-worthy. I like the scary black guys the best.

Yep. The more I think about it, the less I like it, and I wasn't impressed as I left the theater.

[Pop Trash]

I knew Sven would hate this. Nothing to do with Armond, I just knew immediately it wasn't his kinda flick. I sort of was hoping he'd skip it for both of our sakes.

I wonder why you thought that. I mean, I know I should see the dang thing first but it is being compared to Starship Troopers a lot, which I assume Sven likes quite a bit since he loves the hell out of Robocop.

[megladon8]

I wonder why you thought that. I mean, I know I should see the dang thing first but it is being compared to Starship Troopers a lot, which I assume Sven likes quite a bit since he loves the hell out of Robocop.


I have never seen it compared to Starship Troopers, and I honestly don't see any comparison between the two at all, aside from there being an "aliens vs. humans" conflict.

[Raiders]

I wonder why you thought that. I mean, I know I should see the dang thing first but it is being compared to Starship Troopers a lot, which I assume Sven likes quite a bit since he loves the hell out of Robocop.

That's a poor comparison and one I hadn't even read. The two films are very different. Verhoeven's film is much more satire while Blomkamp's film is more earnest which, while I think it is a brilliantly executed film, does leave its political implications a little muddled and potentially troublesome. I personally think the wealthy corporate evil = white and ghetto evil = black is intentionally done in light of real-life Johannesburg, but the film doesn't always lend itself to such readings.

[Pop Trash]

"District 9 whizzes by with a resourcefulness and mordant wit nearly worthy of its obvious influences: "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "Dawn of the Dead," and "Starship Troopers."" -Scott Foundas, The Village Voice

[megladon8]

"District 9 whizzes by with a resourcefulness and mordant wit nearly worthy of its obvious influences: "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "Dawn of the Dead," and "Starship Troopers."" -Scott Foundas, The Village Voice


That's one of the stupidest things I've ever read about this movie.

I see nothing from any of those films, narratively, thematically or stylistically inside District 9.

[Pop Trash]

"District 9 fuses science fiction mayhem and biting social commentary as well as any film since "Starship Troopers." It’s the rare alien invasion story that has the aliens running scared." -Scott Tobias, AV Club

Apparently all these critics are fuckin' idiots then.

[Raiders]

"District 9 fuses science fiction mayhem and biting social commentary as well as any film since "Starship Troopers." It’s the rare alien invasion story that has the aliens running scared." -Scott Tobias, AV Club

Apparently all these critics are fuckin' idiots then.

Well, to be fair, I have seen the film and you haven't and I'm telling you liking one has no real bearing on liking the other. The similarities in using a humans vs. aliens story with social implications and a part-faux-doc approach are there, yes. But the film's style and storyline are worlds apart and the comparison is superficial at best.

Now, see the fucking thing before arguing any futher.

[megladon8]

Now, see the fucking thing before arguing any futher.

:|

Dude, I don't think he's arguing. He was just showing us that he didn't pull that comparison out of his ass - published reviews have made that connection.

[Pop Trash]

Now, see the fucking thing before arguing any futher.

Don't get on me, take it up with Scott Foundas, who incidentally is a pretty great critic and had a nice piece about Inglourious Basterds in the recent issue of Film Comment. Although his dig at Schindler's List was unwarranted IMO.

[Pop Trash]

:|

Dude, I don't think he's arguing. He was just showing us that he didn't pull that comparison out of his ass - published reviews have made that connection.

Exactly!

[Raiders]

:|

Dude, I don't think he's arguing. He was just showing us that he didn't pull that comparison out of his ass - published reviews have made that connection.

Hey, I'll take this up with whomever I want. How do you know Pop Trash isn't Scott Foundas in disguise?

[megladon8]

Hey, I'll take this up with whomever I want. How do you know Pop Trash isn't Scott Foundas in disguise?


He can't be...because I'M Scott Foundas!!

Muahahahaha.

[Raiders]

In all seriousness though, those comparison reek of critics trying to find a shorthand for describing it to potential readers when the film is in many respects a rather unique and original idea.

[Winston*]

It's like Starship Troopers in that they're both kind of like video games.

[number8]

I haven't seen District 9 and I thought the comparison was obvious. Political commentary, aliens as metaphor, government social interference, mix-media use and all that.

[megladon8]

I haven't seen District 9 and I thought the comparison was obvious. Political commentary, aliens as metaphor, government social interference, mix-media use and all that.


Exactly.

[number8]

Finally, a reason for me to see this movie.

[Mysterious Dude]

Wikus consistently reminded me of the Daily Show's John Oliver.

[number8]

By the way, I don't think I've seen it mentioned here, but you guys are aware that the main character is supposed to be a joke, yes?

[BuffaloWilder]

Yes.

[megladon8]

By the way, I don't think I've seen it mentioned here, but you guys are aware that the main character is supposed to be a joke, yes?


Um...how so?

[BuffaloWilder]

Um...how so?

"van der Merwe" is a common insult for Afrikaneers.

[megladon8]

"van der Merwe" is a common insult for Afrikaneers.


I didn't realize this.

But does it stretch into his character, or is it just that name that's a joke?

[number8]

"Van Der Merwe" is usually the name of a character used in popular African ethnic jokes, often portrayed as an idiot while at the same time representing the country. So instead of "A South African walks into a bar..." you would start a joke with "So Van Der Merwe walks into a bar..."

I don't think it's a coincidence that Blomkamp used the name for his main character.

[Rowland]

Of course the main character was a joke, as much a satirical rendering as the rest of the film, only he is forced as the movie progresses to transcend his stereotype, which is exactly when he becomes "alienated" from the rest of society, through this self-awareness and with it empathy that he attains. He's a justified object of ridicule when the picture opens, but by the end his tragedy is sincerely rendered.

[Duncan]

Pretty poor. Apartheid allegory my ass. I'd honestly rather rewatch Star Trek: Insurrection.

[Raiders]

Apartheid allegory my ass.

Precisely.

[megladon8]

I don't understand...