9

When I first heard about the movie ‘9’ I thought that it looked pretty cool. It looked like another kid’s movie that might be a bit different from the others out there, but essentially, a kid’s movie. I finally got around to watching it last night and I really, really enjoyed it!

It was not the childish fun and games I had thought it to be. From the very beginning I was enthralled by the animation. Its detail and complexity were stunning, managing to be dark, sinister and beautiful all at once. If nothing else, this film would keep you entertained visually from start to finish.

While I must admit, that the story line itself was fairly standard for children’s movies, the themes in it were more grown up. It brought to mind films like The Matrix and Terminator with the battle between human and machines being the driving force. In some regards, this one is even bleaker, as it begins after the death of the last human and even the machines have begun to fall silent.

The other aspect that made me feel it was slightly more mature than what first I perceived it to be, were the monsters ‘The Machine’ built for itself. One in particular was so delightfully creepy, it gave me shivers as I sat, slightly freaked out and disturbed, watching it. Even the ‘good guys’ (hessian or leather dolls held together with their own, unique fastening) had a fascinating warped quality to them. I don’t want to attribute it all to him, because he was only one of the producers and there were so many more people involved, but you could easily see patches of Tim Burton’s influence through the film.

If you like animated films, or even if you don’t but you like things that are slightly different or unusual, the go check out 9. There more than enough in it to enjoy.