Preview: District 9 (2009)

Synopsis:

A group of aliens arrive in a small African town where they become prisoners of an internment camp.

• Poster: B-; B-

Review:

These two posters are very similar, though one is a bit more distant and the other more invasive. When looking at a restrictd area from a distance, it has a more innocuou feel, but when placed right up against the gritty interment-camp-styled location, then it has a more important bearing.

• Trailer: B; B-

Review:

The most interesting thing about this trailer is how it seems relatively innocuous and is played out like a documentary only to be revealed as something entirely more, which makes the film seem like it might be interesting just to see if the subject is handled with any rationality.

This looks more like Cloverfield than like any serious science fiction film. The original had elements that made you believe it could be an important, well-thinking pic. However, this second trailer pretty much confirms that the social questions it could have posed will be subdued significantly by action and visual effects.

Oscar Prospects:

I could see some tech nominations, but releasing in August is probably not conducive even to that kind of recognition.

Release Date:

• August 14, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

Science fiction as it was meant to be: intelligent and challenging.

• Full Review: District 9

-Wesley Lovell (May 3, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (July 12, 2009) New Trailer; New Poster; Buy the Poster Enabled

-Wesley Lovell (April 4, 2010) Added Review Link