9
Directed by Shane Acker; 2009
“9″ is the post-apocalyptic story of nine burlap sacks created by a shamed scientist to carry the key for the continuation of mankind, or at least the essence of mankind. Director Shane Acker originally conceived “9″ as a silent short for his grad school thesis, and his original film won a student academy award. While that sounds a little something like a presidential award for physical fitness, it landed the silent project a shot with Focus Pictures and the help of dark genius Tim Burton. You can definitely feel the touch of Tim Burton here in the eerie darkness and the whirlwind of action and emotions the characters face. There was something at work in many of the scenes that reminded me of “Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands” or “Beetlejuice.” The plot isn’t all that amazing, but the visual effects of the animation and the underlying darkness of the movie were entrancing. Don’t be tricked into thinking this is a kid’s movie, though. While it is clean, it’s also very spooky. Overall, “9″ is worth seeing on the silver screen with a big bag of popcorn and butter juice.
The Informant
Directed by Steven Soderbergh; 2009
In “The Informant,” Matt Damon covers the screen of almost ever scene with poor acting, a crumby wig, dirty mustache and about 20 lbs. more weight than he should carry — and does an amazing job. At first casual reckoning, you might not have much to say for Damon’s acting, but when you realize that his character is pathological liar, you begin to see him as terrific and very believable in the role of Mark Whitacre, Archer Daniels Midland V.P., criminal, super spy, and loving husband. You’ll either like or hate this “based on a true story” movie, and while it’s unlikely you’ll love it, it’s certainly not a reason to stay away. The story itself does tend to drag in spots because of its focus on corporate whistleblower Whitacre, but ultimately succeeds by offering constant subtle plot twists that begin to snowball as the movie progresses. Director Steven Soderbergh certainly does a great job in evoking the early ’90s setting; it often reminded me of how that era was the ’70s of my generation (if you are under 30) — all the bad ties, awful hair and abundance of smoker-friendly establishments. Though the move may not perform that well in the box office, count this movie as a success for both Damon and Soderbergh.
Extract
Directed by Mike Judge; 2009
Joel (Jason Bateman), the nerdy scientist and owner of a flavor extract factory in “Extract,” is rich and unhappy. He has a stale job, a stale marriage, and life is beginning to wear him down. In his search for relief, he’s thrown off of his normally balanced routine by the arrival of sexy scam artist Cindy (Mila Kunis of “That ’70s Show”) and his drug-addled bartending friend (Ben Affleck). “Extract” contains a lot of potential hilarity, but writer/director Mike Judge (“The Office;” “King of the Hill”) steers it clear of outright guffaws in favor of dexterous plot twists and character evolution. To that end, Bateman is perfectly cast as a character who gives us the kind of funny we have to digest rather than one that bursts from our sides. A good cast of supporting characters helps keep you entertained while awaiting the next turn of understated comedic events. Knowing what you’re getting into before “Extract” cues up on the screen will enhance your enjoyment of it that much more.
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• Issue 8, Volume 5, October 2009
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