On the tails of one of the worst movies of the summer, and one of the worst science fiction films I have seen in years, comes a breath of fresh air. Simply put, District 9 gobbles up and blows to bits the lackluster film G.I. Joe. For those daring to see the two films, you will see unfortunately what science fiction has become in G.I. Joe, and what it used to be in all of its amazing glory in District 9. This film directed by Neill Blomkamp reflects on his childhood in South Africa, a reminder of horror from the years of apartheid, but also a haunting revelation that prejudice, hatred, and lack of compassion still exist.

Since I am into comparisons today, I will discuss the special effects. It seems as if many movies are driven on visual, especially CGI, effects. Unfortunately in many of those stories we lose the concept of story; it is as if what we are seeing onscreen has as much nutritional benefit as a candy bar from the grocery store checkout stand. Yet somewhere, even though we enjoy the candy, we know there is a gourmet meal awaiting us that would cause us to reflect on the great Julia Childs (just for instance!). District 9 is such a film; we may enjoy the candy, may even prefer the candy, but once we bite into that wonderful full-course meal, we like to stay seated around the table because not only has the food been exquisite, but the time, company, and surroundings have been life-touching. Many may not like a full-course meal as much as a Snickers bar, but the truth is, we all know the well-balanced meal is better for us.

District 9 never forgets what it is, even with its unique presentation. The movie starts off in what appears to be a documentary, following the lines of many recent films such as Quarantine, The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield, and others. Yet it transforms quickly from what appears to be a news broadcast into a full-blown motion picture that flows and draws the viewer in, in epic proportions. The largely unknown cast helps bring this perspective to a point of reality, while there are more than enough gross-out moments of blood, gore, and brutality that help drive home the horror of oppression. We also see aliens, referred to as Prawns in all their glory, in all their oppression. I won't tell you what role they take, but what I will say is don't go into the film expecting some lackluster CGI-driven effect movie without story, without intent to challenge your brain to think outside the box.

Technically District 9 is near perfect, from the direction of Blomkamp to the use of sound, cinematography, a haunting concept, and brilliant acting from a cast, many of whom have never acted. This includes the leading role of Wikus played brilliantly by Sharlto Copley, who takes on everything in this movie. He plays the part of an insecure happy-go-lucky guy recently promoted on his job to oversee the transfer of the District 9 a refugee camp for aliens, who arrived some 20 years earlier, to a place outside of the Johannesburg city limits. We see him go through every gambit of emotion and ultimately develop to a sort of superhero figure while all along the way displaying deep human emotion over a fascinating 2 hours.

Wikus ultimately becomes both human and alien. He ultimately has the ability to bring about change and instead of running from his responsibility to redeem the poor, stand up for the unjust, and be an instrument of salvation, he takes on the challenge, but at a great cost. We see displayed onscreen a true Messiah figure who brings about deliverance in the manner of Jesus Christ. In that process we see the importance and reminder for each of us; we see the attempt to provide salvation, a transfiguration and a deliverer of the poor.

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