Summer hit tops box office two weekends in a row

Lightning rail guns, aliens, and catfood. What else could you ask for in a great movie? One of this summer’s hottest releases, “District 9”, has proven to be quite the jewel for movie-goers. With its mix of a thoroughly developed plotline, heart-pounding action, and sci-fi concepts, “District 9” definitely made it onto the box office toppers for good reason. I give it a whopping 9 out of 10.

In short, the movie takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the not too distant future. Helpless aliens have landed on Earth and are contained in a ghetto known as District 9. MNU (Multi-National United), a privately funded company, has taken the responsibility of safekeeping the aliens, labeled as prawns. When MNU field agent, Wikus van der Merwe, suddenly contracts a fatal alien disease, he becomes the most valuable and wanted man in the world. Ironically, Wikus must resort to saving the alien race in order to save himself.

However, every great movie has its cons. For me, excessive blood splatter (especially all over the camera lens) does not add to either the plot or action. I mean, sure, a couple of exploding heads is okay. But it becomes overkill when just about every alien’s brain ends up on the big screen.

Overall, “District 9” is quite the thriller and a new take on an old concept. Its cliffhanger possibly even paves the road for a District 10. Still, next time, 10 out of 10 would be nice.