Sitting in the theater last night waiting for 9:09 to hit, I was wondering what I was in for. Something new and exciting? Something unoriginal and slow-moving? Shane Acker’s 9 was a surprise in my book. While not up to snuff with one of the three films this year with a 9 in it (District 9), this animated story still has some steam.
9 is a stitchpunk rag doll created in the likeness of his creator (sound familiar) as a last-ditch effort to save all of mankind. The machines have taken over after a brilliant scientist has given a “brain” to a machine. The Machine, as it was referred to, can think and create by itself. With a mind of its own, the world ceases to exist as we know it. The Machine creates an army that brings us into the post-apocalyptic age of 9. The story really revolves around 9 and who he is, but we do get a quick (albeit too quick) look into the other 8.
In comes 9 and his ragtag team of stitchpunks born to save what is left of humanity. The overall arcing story of the film is one of hope, and a story I was thinking I had seen before. I can’t decide if it was Elijah Wood playing 9 or what, but the LOTR series kept popping back into my head. 9 could be a short version of Frodo and Samwise (9 and 5) trying to save whats left. While this is a serious dive into the film’s inner working, I don’t think it takes away from the film. 9 is a special movie by itself. The way Acker brought to life these little ‘punks was truly awesome.
The more I sit here and stew on this film, I notice more and more subtle nods to other films. LOTR, Edward Scissorhands and more. While this doesn’t take away from the film, it doesn’t necessarily add to it either. The film could stand on its own and really should.
Tim Burton, with Timur Bekmambetov, proved to be the right combo for this production, but they could have brought more out of the story – and world – Acker has created in his head. The visuals are astounding in every way, pleasing to the eye and really comprise a grandiose landscape to say the least. This is not a movie to pass on. While it is not a “theater” movie per se, this will find its way into my Blu-Ray collection without a doubt.
Spend a few bucks and go have yourself a popcorn and watch a solid movie. It’s better than that idiotic Final Destination crap!
Do make sure you check out our 9 giveaway while you are here!
