Zmann966's Blogs

Niell Blomkamp's Debut... sorta

So to anyone who's worth their salt in the online gaming world has witness the awe of Niell Blomkamp, South-African native, and his pairing with Peter Jackson, of Lord of the Rings fame, with the three short-films released to market Halo 3 in 2007.

They were stunningly gritty and realistic portrayals of what essentially boils down to a very, very animated fantasy world. (allow me to modify that last sentance by altering 'world' with 'universe') Director Blomkamp's almost documentary take on the super-fantasy Halo storyline was phenomenal, everything fitting into place perfectly between Master Chief, the Covenant and all the other nuts and bolts that make up Bungie Studio's revolutionary video game.
If you are NOT worth your salt however, you may find what I speak about here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUcreY0X33k

Now, Niell was slated to direct the Jackson and WETA-produced Halo movie, but the entire film was scrapped by Fox, who at the time held the rights. (Lack of faith in this relatively unknown director maybe?) The movie fell through and only the short films were made. The rights dropped back into Microsoft's hands, and Halo was done.

Peter Jackson, however, was not. Being the amazingly creative (read: rich) owner of a vastly successful effects and production studio, he put into works a "Plan B" of sorts. Not wanting to see Niell's first chance fade into oblivion, they began work on the phenomenon known as
District 9.

A relatively "cheap" production compared to Hollywood's massive modern budgets, District 9 was relatively unknown until very recently. I myself, an avid theater-goer and movie-watcher didn't first hear about it until right around Star Trek made the big screen. (or was it Wolverine? I can't remember)
A short but effective marketing campaign that strayed into the realms of viral and ARG shot District 9 to a fairly large hype.

And I am here to state that every single ounce of anticipation for this film is well justified.
Yes, you heard me correct. It was worth it.

Since I first looked up Mr. Blomkamp and did some research back when Halo was on the horizon I knew he was something special. You throw the mind of Peter Jackson and WETA behind that and you get something magical.
I've seen reviews across the board, and with a few minor excepetions I've seen nothing but 5 starts and 10/10's everywhere. As IGN.com stated it is a "Science-Fiction masterpiece that you didn't see coming."

The feel and pace of District 9 is something to behold. Truely a modern masterpiece. The gritty realistic feel that Niell has become known for in his Halo shorts and demo-reel advertisements makes its stand proud and strong on the silver screen this opening weekend. Taking what he knows (South Africa) and blending it with what can be easily seen as his passion, Blomkamp has done something rarely seen since Hollywood released jewels like "Blade Runner". Taking the unreal, and making you live it.

A completely unknown Sharlto Copley makes his debut in District 9, and I can think that when he sees the numbers off this opening weekend he's going to thank the close friendship with Blomkamp that gave him the lead as MNU agent Wilkus Van De Merwe.

I could gloss a summary out for all of you, my readers, but even an expert writer such as myself (humble too) would do this movie shame. I cannot spend pages or hours relating to you what this movie is, nor will I shame it so.

I have only one review and one piece of advice:
This movie is outstanding and you better be reading this from your cell phone as you sit in the theater waiting for the previews.
Kindly remember to turn off said phones when the house lights go down! And this stunned movie-watcher will see you at the end credits.