District 9 } Peter Jackson's New Flick

[Brazoo]

In one of the extras, Blomkamp explained that a virus had likely rampaged thru the ship, and it had killed the upper-echalon of the Prawn society, who were fewer in number. All that were left were the "lower" Prawns, who didn't have the same level of intelligence and capabilities. He speculated that after the catastrophe, the ship had automatically changed course (an automated measure in case of emergency) to the nearest planet capable of sustaining them.

So I guess the scientific Prawn (and his son) were exceptions to who was generally left amongst the Prawns.

That makes some sense, but I'm not really down with that explanation. After all, I know a lot of intelligent people who couldn't fix their car if it broke down.

[Brazoo]

I watched this recently as well, and there were a few things that went over my head. Were the aliens brain-damaged by some illness? Their technology was far ahead of how they were depicted as simpleton refugees. The concept of it taking 20 years of juice harvesting to fix the mother ship didn't jive for me either. I really liked the flick though, especially the evolution of Wikus

I think we're told by the characters in the opening of the film how stupid, filthy and prone to violence and crime the "Prawns" are and what we see initially confirms that. However, over the course of the film I think we're meant to see how cultural differences, prejudice and horrible living conditions contribute to what we're seeing.

I think it's obviously and specifically meant to parallel how South African colonialists viewed indigenous South Africans. Colonialists 200 years ago maybe didn't have the capacity to understand that cultural and technological differences have nothing to do with intelligence, but in this movie we have obvious and factual proof that "Prawns" are technologically advanced and even then our cultural differences still prevent us from treating them respectfully. Even indigenous South Africans treat them with contempt showing how our fear of difference is really a widespread human condition.

[fallensaviour]

Great flick I've watched it three times now.I hope they do a district 10.
Just watched it with my daughter last week.It was neat to watch her reactions through out the film.She started watching it hating the aliens and saying things like, "They should just wipe them out and kill them all." "It's our planet why should we let them live here?"
Then to watch her change to feelings of empathy/sorrow for the aliens.Cheering for them even.
Then to see the dawning of the bigger picture the movie was getting across.The understanding an then inner disappointment she had due to her feelings from the beginning of the film.It was an incredible moment as a father to witness.

Not many films can pull this emotion out of people.

[starsky]

i liked it as well. i really thought it was going to be dumb but boy was i wrong!!

[Sideshow Spock]

In one of the extras, Blomkamp explained that a virus had likely rampaged thru the ship, and it had killed the upper-echalon of the Prawn society, who were fewer in number. All that were left were the "lower" Prawns, who didn't have the same level of intelligence and capabilities. He speculated that after the catastrophe, the ship had automatically changed course (an automated measure in case of emergency) to the nearest planet capable of sustaining them.

So I guess the scientific Prawn (and his son) were exceptions to who was generally left amongst the Prawns.

[EMCE Hammer]

I watched this recently as well, and there were a few things that went over my head. Were the aliens brain-damaged by some illness? Their technology was far ahead of how they were depicted as simpleton refugees. The concept of it taking 20 years of juice harvesting to fix the mother ship didn't jive for me either. I really liked the flick though, especially the evolution of Wikus

[Nostalgiabuff]

I liked it. have to watch it again to fully appreciate it. I think it is one of those movies you watch and think, "okay, that was pretty cool, in a wierd sort of way" and then you watch it again to truly appreciate it. effects were good, acting was good too and i agree with earlier posts thatb the lead was annoying at first but really came into his own by the end.

[ctc]

>Wikus is one of the most unconventional anti-heroes to come along in a long time

Yeah, that was a nice touch.

I saw it a week ago and thought it was okay. It's one of them things I've seen before.... A LOT; but they did a decent job. And it's not supersaturated with effect shots. Well, it IS; but they're pretty well integrated into the story.

Don C.

[Sideshow Spock]

Finally saw this on DVD and thought it was great. Wikus is one of the most unconventional anti-heroes to come along in a long time..

And really, the title of this thread should be Neill Blomkamp's new flick, since he wrote and directed. I know Jackson got a producer credit and was instrumental in getting it made, but it's not his baby

[Tothiro]

Saw it tonight and thought it was freaking awesome.
Replace the word "Prawn" with any slur of your choice, particularly in the beginning, and it's really striking.
I started a face sheet for sculpting on the main character and pulled some grabs of his "special effect arm" from RPF as soon as I got home ... which I don't "always do" (no really... honest)

[megoscott]

I was totally enthralled. Brilliant, original, and flawlessly executed. Couldn't have been done in Hollywood, setting it in South Africa was a stroke of genius. Best use of CGI ever.

[unataper]

I saw it with my Wife last weekend. I don't care for the "first person shooter" filming technique used in the beginning of the film, but after watching, I feel that it was well used to set up the main character. I really enjoyed the movie. The effects were great but didn't overwhelm the story. Like someone else said, the effects flowed so well, you didn't realize they were effects. My Wife didn't care for the movie....says that "I owe her big time", which probably means I'll have to take her to see The Time Traveler's Wife...LOL!

[Orion]

I just caught this movie yesterday in the midst of business travel. Disturbing, different, and a really thoughtful movie. So nice to see something without a Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise thrown in the lead role. The first quarter of the movie really had the bloody gore which lead to the R - rating - but the movie seemed to push on from that stuff after fully introducing the Prawns and I was able to eat my popcorn without feeling too sick after that. Would be interesting to see if they put out a second movie - I think I would be rooting for the Prawns all the way.

[vulcan2074]

I went to see this movie on tuesday and all I can say is, Amazing. Thats one hell of a good movie. It has a great story and the effects are fantastic. They hit this one out of the park. It's a Must see
Sammy

[Hector]

Saw it last night and liked it. Definately isn't Blair Witch, and didn't even remotely wanna see Cloverfield so I won't compare to that. I agree with Hector. They need to make one sequel. Then let it go. The lead actor really kinda annoyed me at first but have to say he really was quite good in the end. The special effects are out of this world but not so much that you couldn't believe they might be able to happen in the real world, if that makes sense. Liked the storyline and they definately left it open for a part two. Goes to show you can make a quality movie for a reasonable price. $30 million to make and it made $38 million in the opening weekend. Pick the early matinee show and go see it. The special effects alone are worth the price of admission.

Exactly!

The effects are so good...but at the same time...kinda subdued and just there...you almost take it for granted. That means they are truly fantastic.

When the effects are so-so...you say...not bad...or ok.

But when they are truly great...you hardly notice they are effects....and just go with the flow.