Rating:  R for bloody violence and pervasive language

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James, Mandla Gaduka

Director: Neill Blomkamp

Plot:  The film is presented as part- mock-umentary/part live action.  A giant spaceship has arrived at Earth and, after bypassing cities like New York and Chicago, it comes to hover over Johannesburg, South Africa. It hangs there in mid-air, motionless, until an expedition from Earth arrives and cuts its way into the ship. Inside, the humans find millions of alien worker drones, sick and malnourished, and a massive operation is begun to transport the aliens from their ship to the ground, feed them, and give them a new “home.” Unfortunately, good intentions are not enough, and the alien habitat, District 9, becomes more of a concentration camp than a refuge camp.  Things start to go wrong when the decision is made to transfer the aliens from their current residence to a smaller, more remote location. Wilkus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) is not competent to handle the operation of which he is in charge, and his lack of experience is quickly evident. His first day in this position ends with him in the hospital, having been contaminated by an alien fluid – and that’s where his personal nightmare begins.

Kate says – 2 1/2 stars

Sorry folks, I did not love this movie. I know the critics are generally liking this flick and so are the viewers.  Maybe I’m missing something.  It was just silly to me.  Sure there were some nice special effects, and the CGI prawn-type aliens were well done, but I never could get past the ridiculousness of the whole premise.  The movie does have a redeeming message about compassion and humanity which saved it from a lower rating.

Ebert – 3 stars

Reelviews – 3 1/2 stars

Enjoy your Coffee Break!