District 9

I've just been totally blown away by the new movie District 9.

This is one of those rare science fiction films that is not only entertaining, it's also very well written, has great acting. I went in with mediocre expectations and was unprepared for a movie this good.

The film is bookended by documentary-style footage and features a good deal of hand camera work. But, unlike Blair Witch Project and various other copycats, the entire film is not devoted to this type of shooting. In fact, the director smartly switches between documentary, hand camera, and traditional film shooting...the right technique at the right time.

The characters (especially the lead) act logically. Indeed, the main character takes actions that fit his personality, given the choices presented to him. So yes, there is action and stuff that blows up, but it's all for good reason.

While I'm sure Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will have a higher gross, District 9 is the film to see.