This was the best movie I saw all year.  District 9, by Neill Blomkamp.  It’s like a creature from a bestiary, made from the parts of many different animals.  It’s a sci-fi blockbuster with aliens and giant robots, yes, but it’s also an exploration of prejudice and a take on possibly the best short story ever written, Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.  It has an engrossing central performance by Sharlto Copley and because it’s from South Africa it’s gloriously free of boring Hollywood cliches.

I know this film divides people.  The sci-fi and action movie parts don’t appeal to everyone.  But if you’re unsure about it I’d urge you not to be put off by its genre.  It’s one of those works that exposes genre as the ugly, blinkered beast that genre really is.  As for me, I’m waiting with bated breath for whatever its creators do next.

With 2010 newly arrived, I’m going to be wrapping up the list soon with a final top 3 post.  Before that I have a few bits of house-keeping to do on this site, as well as some book news to impart.  More soon…