District 9
Dir: Neill Blomkamp
2009
*****
Neill Blomkamp's 2009 debut; District 9, made a huge impact on its release and changed the genre of sci-fi films. Intelligent Sci-fi is now popular again and for that alone I thank Mr. Blomkamp. It's certainly not the first intelligent sci-fi film but it's probably the most important since the original Godzilla. Blomkamp's message is blatantly political, social and racial, unlike Godzilla though, it's focus is not so much on fear (The hydrogen bomb) but of segregation, racism and conflicts of power - realism not paranoia. It's about Apartheid, not only because it is based in South Africa but because it makes it that little more poignant. He would tell you otherwise, so would I if I was him, he shouldn't have to explain himself though as the writing is on the wall, and for those who can't read, enjoy the excellent sci-fi adventure anyway. It's E.T. in the real world, just as heartbreaking though because it does seem so true to life, it's hard not to see this a possibility should it ever really happen, we do it to ourselves already. Brilliantly written, visually stunning, Sharlto Copley's Wikus Van de Merwe is the centuries first great cinematic hero and the conclusion is perfect. A great film.