MOVIE: District 9 (2009)

by benmweilertNo Comments
District 9 Year: 2009 Rating: R Length: 112 minutes / 1.87 hours The best kind of science fiction uses fantastical elements to hold a harsh mirror up to the ills of society. One of the best examples of this is Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 (2009) being an analog for apartheid in South Africa. Sure, it has fun sci-fi elements like the alien weapons and technology, but at its core there’s a solid commentary about racism and the caste system that does nothing to fix it. That it’s still relevant today just speaks to the strength of its message—one that needs no sequel or follow-up movie. District 9’s story benefits from the visual effects used to put these bug-like aliens smack dab in the middle of refugee camps in Johannesburg. The aliens look so realistic, and the CGI is sharp and crisp in a way that even modern films have since failed to replicate. Even the transformation of Wikus (Sharlto Copley) into the “prawn” form seems...
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MOVIE: Gran Turismo (2023)

by benmweilertNo Comments
Gran Turismo Year: 2023 Rating: PG-13 Length: 134 minutes / 2.23 hours When I first saw the trailers for Gran Turismo (2023), I had my doubts. I know video game adaptations are in vogue right now, but I couldn’t figure out how a plot about a realistic racing simulation game would even work. On top of this, I had become skeptical of Neill Blomkamp’s directing, with his last few movies being somewhat hit or miss. Fortunately, once someone close to me—who doesn’t usually watch video game adaptations—recommended this film to me, I figured I should give it a shot. I’m glad I did. What helped set Gran Turismo apart from other video game adaptations is like how Tetris (2023) made a movie about a puzzle game that used simple blocks. Neither Tetris nor Gran Turismo has any plot in their respective games, but the stories around and featuring these games are much more interesting. I’m reminded of the Far Side comic where the parents are...
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