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District 9 (2009)
District 9 (2009)
2009 | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
For months the Internet has been ablaze with movie propaganda about “District 9” the anticipated Science Fiction hit of the year. The exciting ad campaign and constant mumbling regarding the film made me wary, it is not unheard for films to lack the luster their advertisements display.

The story takes place twenty years after an alien space ship appears above Johannesburg, South Africa filled with bug-like aliens. These aliens, derogatorily called prawns, are placed in a quarantined slum called District 9. The film begins as a documentary following bumbling cross-species specialist Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) an employee of Multi-National United (MNU) a private company on a mission to evict the aliens to a new location, Distinct 10. Additionally, MNU is the primary company working to integrate the advanced alien weaponry with our own.

As the film progresses Wikus builds a relationship with an alien father and son while his relationship with MNU, the company he had long worked for, deteriorates. Throw in some Nigerian gangsters selling cat food and powerful alien technology and you have the making of science fiction gold.

One of the best elements of the film is the choice of location. The tension regarding South African history and politics is well worked into the film. In particular, the idea of standing up against oppression, even under impossible odds, is well paralleled.

The film provides nonstop entertainment and solidifies its place as a great science fiction film by providing introspection into the human race through interaction with aliens. “District 9” begs the audience to wonder what is more important the essence of humanity or being human.

One of the best science fiction films since “The Fifth Element”, “District 9 “ is both a thought provoking and engrossing film.
  
Picture Us In The Light
Picture Us In The Light
Kelly Loy Gilbert | 2018 | Mystery
8
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Picture Us in the Light is a heartbreakingly honest book that feels so real you may find yourself second guessing if it is actually fiction.
Crying, laughing, and feeling your way through this unputdownable book is normal.
The main character feels real and the relationships between characters are well thought out and developed. None are just stand ins that make you second guess the plot. The plot is solid if not heartbreaking.
I am normally not one to read really emotional books but after getting the first look at this one I had to know what would happen next. The full book did not disappoint.
Perfect for fans of realistic contemporary fiction. Just be aware that this is one book you may just have to read in one sitting so you can get all of the emotions out at once.
  
TS
True Stories
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This collection of 10 non-fiction stories feature stories of shipwreck and bear attack from the 1800’s, the life of Blues musician Muddy Waters, and growing up with six older brothers in Vietnam. Personally, I want to start exploring creeks like the guy who wrote the last chapter here.

I don’t normally read non-fiction, but I enjoyed all 10 of the stories here. They were entertaining, which is what it takes to keep me reading. Middle school guys will love it, and anyone looking to learn something in an entertaining fashion will enjoy it.

NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book, but no review was requested or promised. My thoughts are my own.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-guys-read-5-true-stories.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.