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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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 MOVIE REVIEW 
7

District 9 Is 'Magnificent Trash'

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(Newser) – The aliens are despised outsiders stranded in post-apartheid South Africa in District 9, a film whose mix of social commentary and blood-spattered B-movie standards makes it the sci-fi movie of the year, say critics.

  • Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: The movie is "a scathing social satire hidden inside a terrific action thriller teeming with gross aliens and regrettable inter-species conflict. And it's a blast." 

  • Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle: Producer Peter Jackson's protegé Neill Blomkamp has made "the most original and entertaining sci-fi film in ages."
  • Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Socked in with the whiplash action and over-the-top gore is a story that's shockingly funny, clever, and emotionally resonant. District 9 is that rarest kind of film, magnificent trash."

From left to right, Sharlto Copley, Mandla Gaduka and Kenneth Nkosi are seen in a scene from
From left to right, Sharlto Copley, Mandla Gaduka and Kenneth Nkosi are seen in a scene from "District 9."   (AP Photo/Sony Pictures)
One of the aliens from
One of the aliens from"District 9".   (AP Photo/Sony Pictures)
Sharlto Copley, center, is seen in a scene from
Sharlto Copley, center, is seen in a scene from "District 9".   (AP Photo/Sony Pictures,David Bloomer)
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Trailer for "District 9."   (sMoOgErZ333)

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7 comments
VIEWING:
 
Todd_English
Aug 14, 09 6:51 AM CDT
I think it looks pretty good. Reply
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+3
Timinator2K
Aug 14, 09 7:57 AM CDT
I'll give it a go...nothing better out there, eh? Reply
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+5
Sonny_Crockett
Aug 14, 09 9:04 AM CDT
This movie looks AWESOME ! Reply
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+2
IN RESPONSE:
plstyle
Aug 14, 09 11:45 AM CDT
Have you seen the plugs for it on MTV? when them i was totally turned off.
Vote up! Vote down!
-2
TheInterested
Aug 15, 09 3:46 PM CDT
Saw this movie last night. I have high standards and this movie met them. This is a fantastic movie that subtly touches on relevant social issues without being preachy. It also has an action component that never comes off as mindless or stupid. It's damn funny too. This "magnificent trash" comment I don't agree with though--the writer compares it to B-movies. There's way more emotion, conflict, and humanity in this film than anything I've seen in a while-- including, you know, movies that are supposed to take place in reality. Reply
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