2009 has been an incredible year for science fiction films. Duncan Jones’ impressive Moon and James Cameron’s super-hyped Avatar can consider themselves in extremely good company with District 9. Director Neill Blomkamp has a very bright future ahead of him. Based on Blomkamp’s short film Alive in Joburg, District 9 is quite simply one of the most impressive films I’ve ever seen from a first time director, period. Spoilers to follow.
The movie is not without its shortcomings; at times the film lacks discipline and suffers from directorial overindulgence. Blomkamp was given free reign by producer Peter Jackson — a luxury many directors would kill for — and it shows. But that new director naïveté helps the film as often as it hurts it. Moments of selfish excess aside, the film is full of brilliant set pieces and quiet character moments. District 9 is easily one of the most unique and original film I’ve seen in years.
