Let it be known to all that I am a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction. So naturally, when I saw information about the upcoming film “9”, I was beside myself in anticipation. Upon finally getting to watch this film, I found “9” to be a unique and memorable experience.

“9” is based on the short film of the same name by Shane Acker, and was popular enough to get nominated for an academy award and attracted the attention of Tim Burton, who wanted to help Acker produce a feature film based on the short. This film is based around a series of events that follow the extinction of humanity, and how its creations live on in the harsh world left behind after the apocalypse.

Is Ackers take on the apocalypse unique? No. It is your typical man vs machine (AKA Skynet) type scenario. Is the story accomplished in a way that feels fresh and unique? Yes. And this is all thanks to Acker and Burtons unique style. “9” is a visual treat to be had. The environment is wonderfully crafted, and when scaled down to the miniature size of these mechanical rag dolls it allows for a fresh look on what could have been a familiar landscape. To me, an apocalyptic wasteland is interesting enough from the perspective of a human, but when I’m scaled down to around 6 inches tall I’m allowed to see things in a completely different, and almost Magical light.

Each character and creature is distinctly different it its own unique way, and some are quite obviously Burton. One of them even seems like a direct homage to a particular Nightmare Before Christmas character (you’ll recognize him when you see it). While each character is not thoroughly developed throughout the story, hints of their personality and mannerism can be found in their design. Ranging from 1’s insecurity due to embarrassment of his own unique “haircut” which is hidden for the majority of the film, #2’s inventive nature based on his self modifications, to #6’s slight tinge of insanity because the simple coloration of his outfit reminds us of an outfit you’d see in a mental asylum. From a design aspect, these characters were all very well thought out.

Totally Sane..

The mechanical creatures are also a visual treat, my favorite being that creepy ass doll headed snake/spider creature. Had I been watching this as a child, it would probably be haunting my nightmares on a frequent basis. Though I will note, that the movie promises far more horror then it delivered, this really didn’t bother me though, it was still very enjoyable.

One Creepy SOB..

Where “9” gets the most of its criticism is its plot. Though I found it simplistic enough to warrant the adventure, many were left unfulfilled by its explanations and resolution. For me this story integrates a bit of science and magic (yes I’m calling it “magic”) in a tale of the human spirit verses senseless destruction. And the resolution simply infers that that human spirit prevails and that life goes on. Yeah, it’s the same skeleton for 90 percent of the plots out there, but for me it is the journey that makes the story. Had the writer spent too much time pushing lore, technical reasoning, and explanation of events through this story, it would have become boring and lost its magic touch. I have a problem with writers biting off more then they can chew and felt that this film accomplished exactly what it sought out to do in the hour and a half it was allotted.

So if you are planning to go out and see 9, take my advice and just sit back and enjoy the ride. You are lining yourself up for what may be one of the most unique visual treats of the year.