Refreshing take on sci-fi, with a disappointing third act.

Rating: 7/10 (5 October 2015)

District 9 has today been out for 6 years, yet when I finally saw it, it was nothing like what I had thought it was all these years. I am so pleased to see that the alien sub-genre within science fiction has not completely stagnated (I'm guessing the Transformers-movies give this genre a bad name).
The first thing I noticed about District 9 was its style of narrative. It starts in a mockumentary-like narrative, which Blomkamp slowly abandons through the movie's progression, for better or worse. I wouldn't mind so much if it wasn't for the fact that he stands by the hand-held camera-work, which is a personal pet peeve of mine. Either way, I can't remember the last time I saw science fiction try something new when it comes to form. This is very refreshing, it's neatly done and it draws you in closer to the story.
The first half of the movie was MINDBLOWING! I especially loved the not-too-subtle critique on racism and the treatment of refugees. What Blomkamp does here is what sci-fi is ought to always do; reflect our problems in society by mirroring it in different creatures or worlds. Also, everything that Wikus went through kept me in complete awe, despite the clichés. Copley's acting was on point and his scenes were gut-wrenching like nothing other, to the point where I had to hold someone's hand to continue watching.
Sadly, however, the second half of the movie, especially the third act, results in rather epic, grand, macho-pumping action. It's not necessarily dull or badly orchestrated, but I felt like it was too simple for such a grand opening.
District 9 is definitely worth a view, and I wouldn't mind it becoming a sci-fi classic. In its genre, it truly stands out. If I could give it 7,5 stars, that would be my vote.