Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated District 9 (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
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.
Unf*ckology: A Field Guide to Living with Guts and Confidence
6.0
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Amy Alkon presents Unf*ckology, a "science-help" book that knocks the self-help genre on its...
self-help
Face Value: The Irresistible Influence of First Impressions
Book
The scientific story of first impressions--and why the snap character judgments we make from faces...
psychology science
The Compatibility Gene
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Short-listed for the Society of Biology Book Award 2014 Long-listed for the Royal Society Winton...
The Book of Things
10.0
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Have you ever stood corrected? Was it difficult? Was it uncomfortable? The Book of Things was...
non-fiction math science bookbuzz
Audio review: The audio-book was read by the author, and he is one of the best readers I’ve listened to. Gupta takes pride in his own work, and it shows through his voice. It’s not too fast or slow, is read with energy, and is enjoyable and engaging.
Recommendation: Ages 16+ to anyone who likes non-fiction, medical thrillers, or thrillers of any kind.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Zima Blue and Other Stories in Books
Nov 29, 2019
With so many well-written stories here, there is bound to be much to be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys futuristic science fiction. The ideas are intriguing and clever, often provoking considerable thought. The writing is deft and fluid, keeping the pace up. Every story feels like a perfect capsule of the idea it contains, rarely too long and flabby or too short and rushed.
If you are a fan of Reynolds' other works or if you have never read a word he has written, this book will not disappoint.
Man and the Biosphere: Toward a Coevolutionary Political Economy
Book
This four-part monograph traces the dialectical development of economic thought from the Physiocrats...
Environmental Taxation and the Law
Book
Economics shapes environmental pricing theory, but the law translates theory into reality. This...