Review - 9

9 is the latest computer animated movie produced by Tim Burton. It is directed by Shane Acker who also serves as co-writer alongside Pamela Pettler. The film tells the tale of an alternate reality where humans have been destroyed by machines during what looks like World War II, as evidenced by the technology you see. The only survivors of the holocaust are a small group of strange machines created by a scientist. Each of these individuals are named by the number on their backs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and the title character 9.

The main plot to the movie is the numbered individuals having to hide and fight against this great big machine that possesses the ability to create other machines similar to itself. As the story goes on the viewer is exposed to some of the best animations and visual effects I have ever seen.

Unfortunately the story itself doesn't hold up as well in its effectiveness. The story is a little bit on the thin side and is rushed through rather quickly. I was disappointed that the characters were never fully developed. I know they don't have much of a history but I was never able to get to a point were I could care about them. Throughout the course of the film you see bad situations happen to various characters but I never cared if they lived or died or escaped or whatever. This becomes incredibly unfortunate at the end of the movie. At the conclusion you can sense a potential of it being very powerful. But with the inability to care for the characters it becomes meaningless. But looks really good.

For me 9 lacked a good bit of depth. But I still cannot say that it is a terrible movie. There are some good action sequences in it and some good visualizations. However I don't think that warrants spending any money on this movie. In my opinion it is best to just wait for this one on one the Encore or Starz channels. It also could turn up on FX...

9 - FX/TBS It...