MOVIE REVIEW - 9

9-REVIEW

9 out of 10

CG-animated fantasy adventure film 9 is a visually stunning eye candy masterpiece.  Produced by Tim Burton and directed by newcomer Shane Acker, 9 tells the tale of a rag-tag group of burlap covered little robots struggling to survive in post-apocalyptic Earth.  Starring the voice talents of Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly and John C. Reilly among others, 9 is a story with a simple message; tyranny and villainy can only be defeated when we unite as a group and cooperate with one another.

Much like the Terminator films, human civilization has come to an end after a war with technology.  An artificial intelligence known as the Great Machine has turned against humanity unleashing robot creatures to help take over the Earth.  Before mankind is wiped out, the scientist responsible for creating the Great Machine, tinkers away to create his group of misfits, each named for the number on their back and imbues a portion of his soul to each one of them, so that humanity may live on.   Each of his creations display different qualities.  The main character, 9 (Elijah Wood) is a born leader, filled with compassion for his friends.  The leader of the group, 1 (Christopher Plummer), is a coward, keeping everyone safe by forcing them to hide.  The main female of the story, 7 (Jennifer Connelly) is a fearless, kick-ass warrior who would make Sigourney Weaver proud.  2 (Martin Landau) is a brilliant scientist who wants to explore the world looking for answers and one-eyed 5 (John C. Reilly) is as loyal a sidekick that anyone could ever ask for.  There are other personality types in this hodgepodge group of survivors, but you get the point.  Each of them have specific talents that when used together, enables our heroes to triumph over any adversity thrown their way.  Each of the actors lend great weight to their respective roles and help move 9 along in rollicking fashion.

Acker developed 9 from his short film of the same name which was nominated for an Oscar in 2005.  Click here to watch it.  The short caught the attention of Tim Burton and director Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) and the pair helped Acker produce the feature length version.  Their influence is highly obvious, especially Burton’s. 

The story is good, the actors all perfect, but the triumph of 9 comes from Acker’s extraordinary visual style.  I’ve never seen a more beautifully animated film.  The detail that he brings to each and every frame is the work of a truly talented artist.  9 and the gang all look incredible as does the post-apocalyptic Earth which looks like an endless junk yard.  The robot creatures that are after our group of heroes are all very inventive and quite scary indeed.  Every time 9 and friends come across the dangerous scrap-metal machines, your heart will skip a beat.  The action scenes are highly imaginative and violent and may cause you to jump out of your seat. 

To sum it up, 9 is a bold, original animation tour de force that deserves to be seen on the big screen where every loving, delicious detail can be soaked in.  I would love to see more of this dust filled, garbage pit of a wrecked world and its inhabitants and I hope Acker will create a sequel.  At the very least, I can take solace in knowing that this is not the last we will see from this up and coming visionary filmmaker.