9 (2009)

Animated films these days are just as, if not more, compelling as live action film and they are becoming more universal as far as age groups. Adults and kids alike can come together and make a film gross more than 200 million dollars worldwide. So when Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov ("Wanted") get on the animated train, it's just something that you go see period. Now the two producers are producing another animated film called "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter". Now that sounds awesome!

"9" is a film directed by Shane Acker and stars the voice talents of Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Christopher Plummer, Crispin Glover, and Martin Landau. This film is about 9, a rag doll in a post apocalyptic world holding the key to the future of humanity. After a war between humans and machines the world has been left with no human life. Now 9 fights, along with other numbered rag dolls, a huge machine called "Brain" to destroy the machines.

I have to say right off the bat that this is a very ambitious animated film. It has a very unique sense of style and Shane Acker really brings the vision to life in a very effective way. The animation is a wonder to behold and the design and look of this world is executed perfectly. However, I felt that this is a film that held back. It really didn't utilize the set up. This could've been a groundbreaking animated film, and it is to a certain degree, but it spends too much time worrying about the plot that it forgets it's external function. The world never fully comes to life. I did enjoy the film though. It reminded me of Don Bluth's animated films back in the day and how much I loved that aesthetic that most animated films don't have anymore. Don wasn't afraid to be dark and Shane is the same way. The eye candy is amazing. Especially on blu-ray. The effects are outstanding and the sound design is euphoric. For a home theater enthusiast like me, this is reference material.

The voice acting was as well as could be expected by a cast such as this. Most of the dialogue seemed repetitive at times but not enough to be annoying. By the end of the film you do sort of feel like you haven't seen enough. You feel almost like you have blue balls and you can't have an orgasm. I was really looking for that spark that would make this animated film different from the rest. It does have a difference but not enough to make me LOVE it.

I do highly recommend this film though. You have to see it to judge it for yourself. It's an original film and has everything going for it, but you may feel like you want more at the end. Netflix it and enjoy the eye candy.