District 9

- 3 Eberts

Roger liked parts of this movie, giving it 3 stars, but wasn't wild about the story. He said "But the third act is disappointing, involving standard shoot-out action. No attempt is made to resolve the situation, and if that’s a happy ending, I’ve seen happier. Despite its creativity, the movie remains space opera and avoids the higher realms of science-fiction."
There were many things about the movie I liked. It reminded me of movies like Enemy Mine and also Hell in the Pacific. Two enemies come together as they see that they have more in common than they thought.
I also liked the special effects. I thought the CGI aliens were really integrated into the movie. I also liked the documentary approach. They set up the situation with news casts and continued the movie with that style.
One thing I had issues with was the really negative portrayal of the Nigerian gangsters who seemed less human than the aliens.
Overall an interesting movie well worth seeing.

Watchmen (2009)

- 3 Eberts

I've always liked super hero movies. Dark Knight, Batman Returns, Superman, Spiderman, Iron Man ... I liked them all. Watchmen was a little bit different. I didn't know anything about these characters. There were too many characters to try to develop for those unfamiliar with the graphic novel. I felt I didn't get to know any of the characters well enough.

Roger really liked the movie. He gave it four stars, He says "It’s a compelling visceral film — sound, images and characters combined into a decidedly odd visual experience that evokes the feel of a graphic novel."

I think the movie tried to do too much. In addition to trying to provide character for a large group it also had a pretty complicated plot. It also tried to present a message about problems facing the world. Because it tried to do so much I didn't think it did anything really well. I am looking forward to seeing it again though. Better too be too ambitious than setting your goals too low.