DISTRICT 9 (2009)

Cast

Plot

Set in Johannesburg (more than a welcome change to the usual formulaic Hollywood paradigm whereby LA or New York are not only the backdrop for disaster but act too as the centre-point of planet Earth), An ominous mothership hovers above Johannesburg containing an alien race of insectoid refugees. Derogatively referred to as 'Prawns' by humans they are cordoned off in an apartheid-esque fashion and forced to live a desolate and slum-like existence in the titular District 9. While forcibly relocating the Prawns to District 10 corporate operative Wikus gets an infection and starts to mutate into a Prawn, a very dangerous position to be in. After a fascinating opening first half the movie turns into a great sci-fi actioner. Top notch.