District 9

Where to start with this one? District 9 had been on my radar ever since the first trailer came out. As big of a movie buff I was, even I hadn't heard a lot about it. Needless to say, the trailer blew me away and it became one of the most anticipated movies of the year for me. Basically, the story takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa. 28 years ago an alien ship appeared above the city, and almost three decades later, both the government and its citizens are struggling to coexist with the insectoid-like creatures. First time director Neill Blomkamp teamed up with Peter Jackson (obviously the director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and together they came up with the best sci fi movie of the year.


Blomkamp was supposed to direct the Halo movie with jackson producing it, but after several months of preproduction it fell through, and they set their sights on District 9. Blomkamp has mainly done commercials and documentaries, and District 9 is based off of one of his short films Alive In Joberg. Even if you're not into sci-fi movies, this is something that you have to see. It is very original, very well shot, and not a minute goes by that you are left bored. The lead actor, Sharlto Copley, gives one of the best performances of the year and deserves a nomination for Best Actor, if not a win. Likewise, even the aliens turn out great performances, and you truly connect with them in a way that even non sci-fi movies have a hard time doing with characters.


This is my 3rd favorite movie of the year, and is definitely one that I want to see at least one more time in theaters. Please don't pass up the chance to see this on a big screen with loud speakers, because that's the way a movie like this should be seen. I think we can expect a lot of great things from Neill Blomkamp, so make sure to remember his name.