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Category: Reviews
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Published: Wednesday, 19 August 2009 10:39
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Written by Lupe Haas
SHORTS
From director Robert Rodriguez (Planet Terror, Spy Kids, Desperado) comes a new adventure film inspired by his kids.
In the suburb of Black Falls, all the houses look the same and everyone works for BLACK BOX Unlimited Worldwide Industries Incorporated, whose Mr. Black's BLACK BOX is the ultimate communication and do-it-all gadget that's sweeping the nation. Other than keeping his parents employed, however, Mr. Black's BLACK BOX has done nothing for 11-year-old Toe Thompson, who just wants to make a few friends... until a mysterious rainbow-colored rock falls from the sky, hits him in the head and changes everything. The Rainbow Rock does Mr. Black's BLACK BOX one better: it grants wishes to anyone who holds it. Before long, wishes-gone-wrong have left the neighborhood swarming with tiny spaceships, crocodile armies, giant boogers... and outrageous magical mayhem around every corner.
In this clip, the family has a close encounter with a blob monster (William H. Macy, Jimmy Bennett). Then watch the trailer.
(Warner Bros. Pictures) Release: 08/21/2009
Genres: Action/Adventure And Kids/Family
Rating:PG
Starring: Jimmy Bennett, Devon Gearhart, Trevor Gagnon, Jon Cryer, James Spader
Directed By: Robert Rodriguez
Produced By:Dan Lin, Hunt Lowry, Stacy Cohen
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Category: Reviews
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Published: Wednesday, 12 August 2009 04:13
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Written by Lupe Haas
Over twenty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa’s District 9 as the world’s nations argued over what to do with them.
In this clip from DISTRICT 9, the aliens are evicted by the government to be moved to a different district but the District 9 residents are not making it easy.
Interview with Director Neill Blomkamp "Making a Sci-Film For $30 Million
Genres: Sci Fi
Release Date: August 14, 2009
MPAA Rating: Rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for bloody violence and pervasive language
Starring: Sharlto Copley, David James
Directed By: Neill Blomkamp
Produced By: Peter Jackson, Carolynne Cunningham
Visit Official Movie Site
MOVIE REVIEWS
District 9
If I had to use one word to describe this film, that word would be transforms. This movie is all about transformations. In the beginning, a humanitarian act towards some very unfortunate aliens, transforms through greed and avarice, into an act of repression and neglect. A simple basic need like food and shelter, is transformed into a means of exploitation and manipulation. And a simple, bureaucratic man, transforms through circumstances, into a hero, when his eyes are opened by the truth. This movie is all about transformations.
District 9 is a classic example of good Science Fiction. You take a social issue, like immigration, or the creation and existence of slums, and you disguise it by making it about something else. Then when you become familiar with the story and recognize what it is really about, you are already on your way to a fresh perspective and hopefully a new world view. That is the beauty of Science Fiction.
Sharlto Copley, who plays Wikus Van De Merwe, transforms in more ways than one. The character arc that Sharlto has to go through is tremendously effective, especially for such a new and unknown actor. Director Neill Blomkamp, really puts his friend through the ringer, and his commitment to the role pays off. Sharlto Copley is a star to be watched.
As an entertainment, District 9 delivers, too. There are cool aliens, guns, explosions, and a robot battle that was much more effective than anything I saw in The Transformers. Technically, this modestly budgeted film was expertly produced, and every dollar that was spent, is evident on the screen. This film is a good summer action flick, with a conscience, and it’s definitely worth being seen. It is also a film worth discussing.
Melanie Wilson
Visit her blog at LAMelbox.blogspot.com
