Not a feel good movie...

Rating: 9/10 (14 September 2009)

District 9 is a fast paced movie which introduces you to a main human character that is not entirely likable though generally sympathetic. You also identify a specific alien and through him find more 'humanity' in the otherwise animal-like aliens. Through the human's story we learn the basic background about the alien arrival and follow his experiences leading a team that plans to move the aliens.
The movie is not filled with suspense, you can see where things are going pretty easily and not too much surprises the audience but there is good deal of yickiness and goo and a feeling of tension and urgency. You do not need to be a science fiction or alien fan to enjoy this movie. The story is extremely subtle in its commentary. There is an obvious apartheid comparison but if you have kept yourself informed about African history and refugee camps there and around the world you will draw comparisons between the horrible things that are done to and by the aliens and humans that live with/near the camps and real life events. If you aren't interested in the social commentary the movie moves quickly and has action and ends with a giant question mark leaving the opening for your own conclusions or possibly a sequel.
I found the movie to be unsettling and still entertaining. I would highly recommend it to any but the most squeamish people.