Review: District 9

District 9 was a refreshing new Sci-fi movie that had me engaged for a good portion of the film.  The portrayal of this film as a mockumentary was an effective way of taking on the subject matter of this film.  I just wish it wouldn't have strayed away from this concept into a shoot-em up toward the end.  Read on for full review.

This film follows Wikus Van de Merwe (Sharlto Copley) as he is tasked in obtaining signatures from aliens (known as "prawns") so he could relocate them from a slum prison to an even smaller prison located further away from humans.  These aliens had come to Earth with their damaged ship twenty years prior to the events in this film.  They have been segregrated from the human population, and treated like dogs.  The film gives viewers little oportunity to empathize with the aliens, as they are portrayed as mindless insects from the start.  Wikus has an unfortunate encounter with an alien substances, and is turned on by his fellow humans and is forced to seek shelter in District 9.  He sides with an alien named Christopher Johnson who is only trying to restore his mothership and obtain help for his people.  Wikus and Christopher shoot their way through the remaining parts of the films, and this is the point where I felt the film faltered.  The ending, while leaving a lot to be wondered and sets up for a sequel, is actually a very effective conclusion to this film.  This film was an original concept and was enjoyable for the most part.  While I was engaged throughout the film, I found the shoot out parts to be a little boring and drawn out.  Overall, a rather enjoyable film.  4 out of 5 stars.