Why District 9 is the best movie of the summer.

Last night I went to the midnight showing of District 9, the new underground science fiction film from Neill Blomkamp and Peter Jackson. I went with a bunch of guys expecting something a little different, having obtained that it would be a somewhat "Cloverfield-like" experience judging from the viral advertising campaign and crazy posters which manage to show up everywhere from bus stops to schools, movie theatres, etc.

That being said, I still had no idea what I was in for.

I sat down, and for 152 minutes I was completely riveted to the screen (we're talking literal rivets here). It was simply breathtaking.

Blomkamp's goal was to make a movie as far away from anything Hollywood as possible.

He did just that. And was unbelievable.

Here are just a few of the highlights which made this film so so so excellent...

1. First and foremost, the performance by newcomer Sharlto Copley is tremendous. I know an Oscar nod would seem a little far fetched but....seriously people, this guy is unreal, and a virtual unknown. Known for his improv skills, Copley improvs most of the movie. Which again is absolutely breathtaking.

2. Jackson's host of designers at Weta Workshop (The Folks behind LOTR) have created yet another breathtaking species in the PRAWN aliens which are totally believable in the most insane yet fantastical ways.

3. Jackson and Blomkamp were originally going to make a Halo movie but it was lost in a studio power struggle. However, let's just say there are definitely aspects from the Halo universe which make eery cameos (namely the PRAWN weaponry and some of the outstanding camerawork).

4. This is going to sound really sick or something, but I've never seen better violence in a movie. I will warn you, it is some of the most brutal if not the most brutal gore/violence I've ever seen in any film. It makes you scream, laugh, hold your throat, clap, cheer, and simply gape, all in the same 5 min. But: REVOLUTIONARY.

5. I felt like I was on a ride at Disney world which had somehow derailed, crashed through a star trek set, and plunged into the heart of South Africa. You found yourself yelling at the screen and your friends.

HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE.

It takes you to the edge of your seat, and then throws you back again. Over. And over. And over.

Please see this film.

It's worth it.

Rated R for extreme graphic creature and human violence and gore and explicit language throughout.

Peace.

The Ginger Critic