Looking like a rag-doll version of Terminator Salvation, the film boasts an arresting visual style.
9 (2009)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:171
Fresh:98
Rotten:73
Average Rating:5.9/10
Consensus: Although its story is perhaps too familiar and less complex than some might wish, 9 is visually spectacular, and director Shane Acker's attention to detail succeeds in drawing viewers into the film's universe.
Runtime: 80 mins
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
US Box Office: $31,691,649
Synopsis:
A new era in animated storytelling begins on 9.9.09. Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton (The Corpse Bride, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory) and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Nightwatch) join forces to...
A new era in animated storytelling begins on 9.9.09. Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton (The Corpse Bride, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory) and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Nightwatch) join forces to produce wunderkind director Shane Acker’s distinctively original and thrilling tale. 9 stars Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer and Crispin Glover and features the music of Danny Elfman.
When 9 (The Lord of the Ring’s Elijah Wood) first comes to life, he finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world. All humans are gone, and it is only by chance that he discovers a small community of others like him taking refuge from fearsome machines that roam the earth intent on their extinction. Despite being the neophyte of the group, 9 convinces the others that hiding will do them no good. They must take the offensive if they are to survive, and they must discover why the machines want to destroy them in the first place. As they'll soon come to learn, the very future of civilization may depend on them. --© Focus Features
Starring: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover
Starring: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer, Fred Tatasciore
Director: Shane Acker
Director: Shane Acker
Screenwriter: Pamela Pettler
Story: Shane Acker
Producer: Jim Lemley, Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov
Composer: Deborah Lurie
Studio: Focus Features
Reviews for 9
While it must be said that dialogue and storytelling flow are not Acker’s strong suits, the immersive power of his imagery is undeniable.
With animation increasingly the exclusive domain of the Pixars and DreamWorks, fresh talent following in the footsteps of Tim Burton and Henry Selick is a welcome tangent.
More like an animation showcase of wonders than a genuine cinematic story
A throwback to the industrial era, the film doesn't feel as important now as it might have then.
Proudly mature -- the movie deals much with individual death as well as doomsday -- so it's a welcome work, something we might even dare to call American-style anime.
This movie is what would happen if the folks at Pixar were manic depressives . . .
I think if I were not diligently taking notes for this very review I might have folded laundry or something to pass the time... It's a beautiful movie to look at and a clumsy story with a weird ending.
Totally lacking in character development. It is like seeing a love story involving toasters.
There is a lot that is interesting to see in the world created by Shane Acker but not enough to make the feature film satisfying.
Watch it for the visuals, and dream about what Shane Acker might accomplish with a better screenplay.
If ever there was a greater pity that a film wasn't exhibited in 3-D, I wouldn't know it. Acker's fluid direction and striking visual style would seem to welcome such an embellishment.
Substance abuse might improve the experience, but alas, 9 unto itself is only half-baked.
The interplay between characters is often electric and fans of the film will definitely find a character they can root for in the mix...
Grown from a superb 10-minute animation, this feature length version runs out of steam despite its stunning visual design.
Gorgeously animated, beautifully executed and incredibly imaginative, Shane Acker's 9 manages to nonetheless feel a little bit like something you've seen before.
Latest News for 9
November 29, 2009:
Win Tickets To The Tim Burton-produced 9
Win one of 20 double passes to '9' the debut feature animation for director Shane Acker -- produced by Tim Burton. More...
September 10, 2009:
Critics Consensus: 9 Looks Great, But The Plot's Weak
This week at the movies, we've got post-apocalyptic conflict (9, with voice work by Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly); Antarctic intrigue (Whiteout, starring Kate Beckinsale... More...
September 08, 2009:
Shane Acker and Elijah Wood Interviews at Comic-Con ![]()
More...
September 04, 2009:
9 has an impressive pedigree behind it in the guise of producers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Nightwatch) and the trailer looks intriguing enough despite the cutesy sackcloth characters. ![]()
More...
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