District 9 (9/10)

It is a wonder how almost nothing has been heard about this movie. Perhaps the misleading trailer didn't look as appealing. Or perhaps the documentary style is difficult to market. And there aren't any recognisable names involved as the whole cast is filled with unknowns and newcomers.

Newcomer director Neill Blomkamp is a native of South Africa. Together with his co-writer, Terri Tetchell, they came up with a satirical "mockumentary" with a touch of political undertone in a very original science-fiction piece.

His choice of locations, the dusty and harsh environment, the people and their accents, every detail onscreen added on to the tapestry of the place. Together with cinematographer Trent Opaloch, scenes are delivered from mini-handhelds to black-and-white surveillance cameras (but nothing as shaky as Cloverfield).

The aliens were all created out of CGI and seamlessly blend into the realistic urban world of Jo'Burg. But why are they here? How smart are they? Why are they stranded? The story let you ponder and decide for yourself.

Blomkamp deals a lot with the human psychology in his debut feature. It was reflected clearly in and around his lead character Wikus. From his initial arrogance and ignorance, to a change in perspective with his change in appearance; followed closely by his struggle to stay alive; and to finally realising what he needed to do.

That's where Blomkamp really came through with his storytelling. He took the audience on a journey to see Wikus' growth in character, which undoubtedly was the best part of the whole movie. The audience was able to feel disgust first for Wikus and then rooted for him towards the second half as he became the proverbial protagonist.

And Sharlto Copley did a fantastic job with his portrayal even when this is his first acting job. Unfortunately though, his character was the only one that was fully developed in the whole story.

There never was any indication that the aliens bore ill will or they would have used their technologically advanced weaponry against the humans. But the dark side of human nature was abundantly clear.

It started simply with the derogatory term, "prawn", given to the aliens because of their appearance and their scavenging nature. Then there was the curiosity, the thirst for power and control; characteristics that ultimately destroy humanity and bring on mass destruction, as shown in this movie.

Blomkamp's first movie is out with a resounding bang. It takes you in a direction you wouldn't expect; and after the whole experience, it will take a while for the movie to really sink in.

Rated R for reasons never out of context, District 9 had everything from drama and touching moments to humour and some violence, and a big action piece towards the end to close it off.

But most importantly, it had a compelling story and is very well told. Blomkamp has just made himself as someone to watch out for.