9 (Movie Review)

In this review, we take a look at why 9 works as a dark, visually inventive animated film, even if its story could use more emotional depth.

9 Movie Review

9 is an enjoyable, engrossing piece of cinema that will envelop you with its innovative animation, dark yet thought-provoking storyline and compelling voice performances. Think WALL-E meets Terminator Salvation. Its only flaw is that it lacks some depth, but it is redeemed by the absorbing action sequences. Just wow. With a slight running time of 80 minutes, 9 does the trick for this post-Labor Day weekend.

The film takes place in a world parallel to our own, in which the very legacy of humanity is threatened. A group of sapient rag dolls living a post-apocalyptic existence find one of their own, 9, voiced by Elijah Wood, who displays leadership qualities that may help them survive.

The director is Shane Acker, making his feature debut. 9 is an expansion of his 2005 Oscar-nominated animated short of the same name. With Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov, director of Wanted, on board, getting A-list voice actors was not a problem. Of all the major stars, Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Martin Landau and Christopher Plummer, only Plummer is immediately recognizable. The rest manage the critical component of effective anonymity, which can be important in an animated film lest the image of the actor overwhelm the character being voiced.

For those looking for something different, new, mentally stimulating and a bit dark and sinister, 9 offers all the Tim Burton traits without the hype.

What Is 9 About?

9 follows a group of stitched-together survivors in a ruined world where machines have helped destroy humanity. When 9 wakes up, he joins the others and begins to show the courage and leadership needed to confront the mechanical threat around them.

Is 9 Worth Watching?

Yes. 9 is worth watching if you like dark animated sci-fi, post-apocalyptic stories and visually unusual fantasy worlds. The movie is short, stylish and action-driven, though its story is stronger in atmosphere than depth.