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Here we have some solid science fiction action movies with a helping of social commentary. That's not unusual, but this particular story is different enough to keep things interesting.
Twenty years prior to the film's events, a massive alien spacecraft arrives on Earth, hovering over Johannesburg, South Africa. Instead of being either conquerors or new friends, the aliens appear to be refugees, or perhaps prisoners, it's not clear. But there are a rough group in very poor health. The human government initially attempts to help but eventually walls the aliens to a squalid, segregated slum called District 9.
Wikus, a minor bureaucrat, is tasked with leading a project to forcibly remove the aliens from District 9 to a new location, further from the city. During the operation, he comes into contact with a mysterious alien substance that begins to transform him into one of the creatures he despises. Forced to hide from both humans and aliens, Wikus becomes a hunted outcast, seeking a cure while also discovering more about the alien race.
The film of course uses the aliens' situation as a metaphor for apartheid and other forms of social injustice, discrimination, and the dehumanizing effects of power. Humans are jerks. This is all pretty obvious, but the action, effects and story are quite engaging making for a fun ride.
"District 9" is put together in a gritty documentary style with cut aways to interviews and hand held camera. This drags a bit at the beginning, as it explains the setup, but it gets going soon enough. Overall, it's a pretty good film with unique execution and a realistic feel.
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