Finally

Rating: 8/10 (16 August 2009)

A sci-fi actioner that doesn't dumb down the elements or make it too complicated. District 9 starts off slowly and gains so much momentum it nearly explodes at the end, but it doesn't self destruct, it comes to a close rather beautifully.
There is a subtle social commentary (more obvious if you know anything about Johannsburg's history) but it certainly is not preaching. The movie eventually turns into a balls to the wall visual action treat, but it doesn't ever once seem like a cheap-shot to the audience, in fact it's a reward.
The direction is sublime, the acting is a huge surprise from a cast of mostly unknowns and visually it's realistic and actually quite lovely to watch.
The story is simple but not dumbed down and the pacing is pitch perfect. A well deserved 9 out of 10 for District 9.