Mmmm. I didn't like this movie. The blood, the senseless gore. The flashes back and forth from mock-documentary to story.
Don't get me wrong, I had to see it. I mean, science fiction, Peter Jackson, but I was not entertained.
I truly believe entertainment was not the goal of DISTRICT 9. I think the movie made some huge political statements, produced some sketches about the dark side of humanity, and made a small attempt at speculative special effects, but I did not find it entertaining.
I found nothing likeable about the main character: Wikus Van De Merwe. He was nervous and made bad decisions. He possesed no sense of humor, no heroism.
I found nothing likeable about the aliens, with their tentacles hanging and their tongues clicking. I am not sure I believed the special effects that made them.
I found no closure. Without giving the end away, I will ask, did it open for a sequel or just make a statement?
Maybe I am alone here, but I go to the movies to be inspired. I go to the movies to find joy and find hope for the good of mankind, which even sad movies stir inside us.
Aside from hints to the way that society treats each other. Sectioning of the unwanted in slums and impossiblity of climbing out of that way of life, why spend money on DISTRICT 9? I would have rather watched a documentary on inner city life and third world poverty. For then I may have been educated, or provoked to think about ways to help my fellow man.
Did you see it? What is your take on DISTRICT 9.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
MOVIE MONDAY : DISTRICT 9
Posted by KM Wilsher at 3:25 PM
Labels: DISTRICT 9, MOVIE MONDAY
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7 comments:
I haven't seen the movie, but my hubby did and he was like, "Um, yeah, I wouldn't go see it."
Bummer. But hey, can't hit a homerun every time, right?
Hi, KM!
I didn't see this one either, but my Daniel did... well, part of it. Didn't finish it b/c he felt the same way you do. I'd say "it was worth a try" but when you're paying out the nose to "try" a movie, you'd like a few more guarantees. :-)
Did you see Slumdog Millionaire? For an inspirational 3rd World plight story, it was surprisingly moving and engaging.
Happy Monday!
Hi KM,
Thanks for reviewing this film. One of my friends raved about it, but I did not watch it in the cinema due to the gore warnings.
However, I've recently been to Japan, and a heavily edited version was avaiable to watch on the plane, so I watched it.
And I have to agree with your review. I found some scenes so unsettling - even cut! - that I fast forwarded through them. The main character, no hero at all, just tried to save himself at any cost. And the Nigerian gangsters, the brutality shown towards the aliens was perhaps realistic from what I've heard about them, still, really put me off.
And the ending, seemed just like an excuse for a sequel.
The film's aim seemed to be to one big political statement against racism with masses of gore added.
Lynn, Glad Charlie saw it first. I guess one can't hit a home run everytime, but I am confused by Jackson's pick of projects. I really thought he might be into story. . . I guess that is what I wanted him to be about: story -- after LOTR and King Kong. . .
Now, I am thinking he is mostly into special effects.
Lori, I haven't seen Slumdog. Is it good? I was hesitant. I am glad your Daniel saw it and kept you from having to LOL
Amen. Peter. Well said, "The film's aim seemed to be to one big political statement against racism with masses of gore added." That about sums it up.
And glad to hear your take on the end. I thought I either was missing a big political statement "I'll be back . . ." or an opening for a sequel. . . Either way, I'm not interested. :)
So glad you weighed in!
KM - After I watched Slumdog, I wanted to adopt a kid from India. Their situation is deplorable and heartbreaking. I would show this movie in almost any church as a mission appeal. It really made an impact on me. And it is so well done, beautiful and terrible to watch all at the same time, with a good story, realistic without being horrific, engaging characters, with a sliver of hope running through the whole thing so that the movie in its entirety was not a downer. It's a good one!
TTYL! :-)
I haven't seen this movie, but it's something my husband would jump at. After reading your review, I'll tell him to steer clear.
Ouch.
Thanks for the warning, KM. Sounds like the movie bombed.
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