One lousy weekend at the movies: "9" (no, not the musical) and "Extract" - REVIEW(s)

So on my last weekend before classes actually start, I managed to see two movies these past two days, and unfortunately, neither was much of a winner. I'm actually starting to wish that I had searched for a theater that was playing "My One and Only" with Renee Zellweger...that might have actually proved to be a pleasant surprise. Instead, I sat through an animated movie more tedious than "Coraline" (yes, I still have issues with that movie) and a lesser version of "Office Space". Which one was better? The better question is, "which was least problematic," which is never a good sign. Let's get this over with, shall we?


"9" by Shane Acker: In addition to sharing the number 9 in their titles, the films "9" and "District 9" have something else strangely in common with each other: they both are expansions of short films ("9" and "Alive in Joburg" respectively). The key difference? Neill Blomkamp's "District 9" actually has a fleshed out story that doesn't feel painfully stretched out. In fact, the key problem with "9" isn't that it's drawn out too long, but that it's drawn out too long with too little; the film could have and should have been expanded by 30 minutes. Characters talk to each other with deep familiarity after having only known each other for mere minutes, and plot points that should have some significant weight do little to up the interest. So while the basic idea, voice cast, creature designs, and animation are all fantastic, the script totally dismantles any attempts to develop a connection with our rag-doll heroes as they wander amid their disturbing post-apocalyptic world. With so little development, it's mind boggling that so many talented people would have signed on for this (Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau, and Crispin Glover). Even having Tim Burton as producer couldn't save this intriguing concept that falls so annoyingly flat (and only reinforces my conspiracy theory that Burton did actually direct "Nightmare Before Christmas", and that Henry Sellick simply bribed him to get the director credit).

Grade: C


"Extract" by Mike Judge: Several years ago Mike Judge made a little movie called "Office Space" that has become something of a cult classic for its satire of the working world, that is still fondly remembered despite losing steam in its final 20 minutes. Unfortunately, while the trailer advertises the film as "the creator of Office Space goes back to work," Mr. Judge seems to have gotten lazy in the director's chair. While the film does get progressively better, there seems to be a (oxymoron alert!!) deafening silence taking up many of the early scenes, and the lagging editing doesn't help either. Judge's characters don't pop at all despite falling into the more than capable hands of Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, JK Simmons, Ben Affleck, Clifton Collins Jr., and Kristen FRIGGIN' Wiig (who does get a brief moment to faintly shine near the end). Granted, there are funny bits, but the overall impression that the film makes isn't a memorable one. A comedy about work shouldn't be work to get through, and Mr. Judge of all people should understand this.

Grade: C