Monday, February 1, 2010

Movie Review and Discussion


This weekend, I finally had an opportunity to watch “9.” And let’s just say I am glad I didn’t go to the theater to see this film.

It had some great visuals and a very original story. Almost too original and unique. Rag doll #9 awakens and discovers our world in ruins. He is in possession of a talisman, and after encountering #2, loses it to a mechanical creature. He eventually awakens a huge, metallic beast and must find a way to stop it.

The movie is very dark and bleak. Many comment that it wasn’t enough for a full length movie, but I felt it could have been longer. A little more character development would’ve made me care more about the rag dolls. One thing I’ve noticed in good science fiction movies and books is characters that are relatable and almost (if not totally) human. When a writer goes for something too different, too alien, then readers and viewers can’t identify with the creatures. I felt rather disconnected from the rag dolls due to the weirdness of the whole movie.

Produced by Timur Bekmambetov, who directed Nightwatch and DayWatch (both of which I liked, although found a little odd) this movie’s Russian roots are quite apparent. They must have a thing for dismembered doll heads, too.

Based on a short story, I found “9” to be a one time only watch and a bit disappointing. If you loved “9,” or have something to share, please let me know! I have one friend who is a die-hard fan of this movie, although I doubt I will tell her I didn’t like it…

16 comments:

JournoMich said...

I thought you were reviewing '9' with Penelope Cruz and Nicole Kidman! Ragdolls they're not! Ha!

Well, I won't go see this one then. Any great new SciFi ones I should go see?

Michele
SouthernCityMysteries

Adele said...

The general view seems to be "meh" I shall skip it methinks.

Sarah Ahiers said...

i liked it. The bleakness etc didn't bother me and i enjoyed the "stitchpunk" atmosphere.
I agree, though, that longer with more character development would have been better.
I gave it a B (B+ if i include the original trailer for it, because that was an awesome trailer...)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Fallen, the trailer was really cool!

Michele, you mean besides Avatar? When I see another good one, I will let you know!

Hannah said...

I enjoyed the atmosphere of "9" a lot. I love dark movies and I love scifi...so I thought I would love this movie. I did not.

I agree that it's a one time watch. I was entertained but not enough that I would need it to watch it ever again. And the whole time I was watching it, I was thinking "FRODO!"

Like the other "9" movie, "District 9", I was left a little disappointed.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I love dark movies as well, but you're right - I was thinking 'Frodo,' too!

The Old Silly said...

Thanks for the thumbs down. I was thinking of renting this one but will save the $5, lol.

The Old Silly

joe doaks-Author said...

I, too, saw 9 this weekend. I liked it well enough, though I would have liked a bit more info on the rag dolls "up front." I kept wondering who these things were, what they were up to, and why. Eventually you get that, but, a "bit" more backstory sooner would have helped me. Still, I liked it.

Helen Ginger said...

I'd never heard of "9" before reading your review. It sounds like one I'll skip, but it is interesting to read about movies that I would ordinarily never know about.

Helen
Straight From Hel

L. Diane Wolfe said...

What a shame! Missed this one in the theatres - maybe that was a good thing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Galen, I would've liked more background as well. I didn't hate it, was just disappointed. Left me with a feeling of 'eh.'

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Anonymous said...

I had never heard of this movie but now I think I have to have a look. I tend to enjoy ho-hum sci-fi. I've never figure out why but I'll see if I can track down a copy of this and have a look.

DEZMOND said...

what I like in movies like 9 was is their boldness to be original and creative in the world which doesn't really appreciate those qualities. That's why I'd liked the movie, even though it had its flaws.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cassandra, I picked it up through NetFlix.

Dez, I usually dig movies like this, but it just didn't resonate with me.

JournoMich said...

Send your article to micheleemrath at ymail dot com

thanks!
i guess i have to make it out to avatar...

michele
SouthernCityMysteries