Co-Produced by Tim Burton, whose visual style is well known throughout the film industry in movies such as Sleepy Hollow, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Sweeney Todd, along with Timur Bekmambetov, of Nightwatch and Wanted fame, this film is full of the style and panache one would expect it to be. But is it all visuals and no substance? Directed by Shane Acker, this film is a beefed up version of an animation short based around the same character: 9 that was released in 2005. Also, acting as the story writer, the substance of this movie, and thus whether it succeeds or fails rests squarely on Acker's shoulders.
The Plot:
The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been decimated by a war between the human race and the machines. Very Matrix. The human race has apparently been wiped out in the aftermath of the conflict, at least in appearance. However, one inventor/scientist managed to create several small "dolls", each numbered, that have lived on since the conflict and now struggle against the machines, but on a much smaller scale. We follow the path of "9" a doll who has just awoken to find a destroyed world before adventuring with his kinsmen.
Beyond The Plot:
The story is a dark one, full of vast, empty landscapes and streets filled with debris. It is a brooding and very lonely looking world full of negativity, as one would expect from Burton at least. For those who know post-apocalyptic worlds, there is nothing new here and one gets a sense that Acker has borrowed heavily from icons of the look, such as Terminator and Matrix. Just like those two icons, the central theme behind this movie is mankind's misplaced trust in technology, leading to its downfall.
How Does It Look?
Despite the obvious influences, this film does look fantastic. The "dolls", the machines and the setting itself look great. The machines especially are quite frightening and could very easily scare a younger audience. One can see elements of steampunk in the tools and weapons of the "dolls" as well as the design of the machines. The animation is very good, as one should expect when a movie is directed by a man who knows animation, and the action scenes are exciting and, in some cases, even gripping. So visually this movie works.
Substance Or No Substance?
Despite the prettiness of the film, there are certain areas of the plot and the characters that are lacking. The story moves very quickly, something kids will not notice, but an older audience will be frustrated by. From "9" awakening to him practically leading the "dolls", barely any time passes. "9" assumes the role of hero in this movie, but there is nothing really heroic about him. He is not a believable saviour. The other "dolls" are rather forgettable as characters, apart from possibly "7", voiced by Jennifer Connelly, whose rebellious and strong-willed nature should have made her the main antagonist. This is a shame really as the characters look quirky and unique.
The Good:
- The film looks great, and sounds great with some excellent effects and animation.
- The villains (machines) are scary, well designed and memorable.
- The plot is decent in concept and the idea unique.
- The action scenes are thrilling enough to keep your attention.
The Bad:
- There are many old and tired ideas in this movie, ripped off from other, more well known films.
- The story moves far too quickly, with the plot jumping around without much explanation.
- The characters are shallow and not particularly memorable either.
- The voice acting and script lets this movie down quite a bit which is unfortunate.
The Verdict: 6/10
The movie looks great and will entertain a young audience no problem. However the plot, although unique in concept, moves too fast for an older audience to enjoy. "9" never really feels like a hero and the other characters are shallow and under-developed. Fans of animation will appreciate the visuals but wont be enthralled by this film. Its not a bad movie by any means, it's just dissapointing and has too many faults to be considered good.
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