DISTRICT 9 (Shortmovie) – Neill Blomkamp

There have been many, many films about aliens coming to earth to visit or invade our planet. Since the 1950′s, which was a high point in the “aliens have landed” scenerio to the 1980′s with E.T. and in the 1990′s with Independence Day to the recent take on this; District 9. Even though the full length film has already been released, it was a huge success. However, before that it all started with this little short film directed by Neill Blomkamp.

The story takes place in 1990 in South Africa. Filmed “documentary” style, it is the story of aliens who have come to earth to live. Their ships hover over the city, while the aliens live like homeless people & scavengers in the slums of Johannesburg. One would think they would be welcomed here, but once we see how violent, filthy, & worthless they are, they become unwanted. The aliens don’t want to be here either, but they are pretty much stuck on earth.

The full length version had a story to it with the one character discovering the aliens secret to their technology & then actually becoming one of them himself, but this short film which it’s based on, is basically the documentary version of the aliens first arriving, the violence they bring on to the humans, and how the aliens live like scavengers.

It’s pretty much the same as the full length film, but the aliens do lok differently and it follows some of the local police as they try to handle the situation. They also give their oppinions about the aliens being on earth & the trouble they cause while they are here. The aliens are more of a nusense then anything else. I think you will find it very interesting to see this so-called “prequel” to District 9 and how it all began. If you haven’t seen the full length version of District 9, I highly recommend it. However, if you can get past the first 30 minutes of shaking camera vision, you’ll enjoy it. It is a very different take on the “aliens have landed” scenero, but I liked it very much & think you will to.

SCORE: 9/10

Director: Neill Blomkamp