Acker, whose gifts for mood, design, and character design are impressive enough to have attracted Tim Burton as a producer, is more of an artist than a storyteller.
Comment
09/09/09
9 (2009)
57
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:152
Fresh:86
Rotten:66
Average Rating:5.9/10
Consensus: Although its story is perhaps too familiar and less complex than some might wish, 9 is visually spectacular, and director Shane Acker's attention to detail succeeds in drawing viewers into the film's universe.
Theatrical Release:28-10-2009
Synopsis: A new era in animated storytelling begins on 9.9.09. Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton (The Corpse Bride, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory) and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Nightwatch) join forces to... [More]
Starring: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover
Director: Shane Acker
Reviews for 9
It signals the arrival of Shane Acker as an audacious new talent to watch.
09/09/09
Earnest, inspiring and far from perfect, 9 is the kind of animated experience that defies traditional sensory logic.
09/09/09
No question, the world Acker conjures is a knockout.
09/09/09
The look of the characters ... is incredibly intriguing, and the universe that Messrs. Acker, Burton and Bekmambetov have created is a treat for the eyes.
09/09/09
9 is a captivating film with much to say about the human spirit -- even if humans are nowhere to be found.
09/09/09
It’s a perfectly functional, fairly scary kids’ film, with plenty of craft and creativity to keep adults occupied. But with a story as sophisticated as its visuals, it could have been much more.
09/09/09
I'm all for embracing the new and supporting filmmakers with unique visions, but there are still basic tenets of filmmaking that need to be achieved.
09/09/09
9 is a grey and grim thrill ride packed full of kiddie morality lessons and creepy frightenings, as though Steven Spielberg had induced the Brothers Quay to create a summer blockbuster.
09/09/09
Much of the action in 9 becomes repetitive, and the storyline takes an odd turn toward the metaphysical in the final act.
09/09/09
One senses Acker stretching his eleven-minute short rather than containing bigger ideas and characters who have taken on lives of their own: 9 too clearly puts style over substance.
09/09/09
Rarely has so much imagination been poured into one facet of a film at the expense of another.
09/09/09
Parental Content Review
09/09/09
Sinister, scary, imaginative and original - despite a thin, one-dimensional storyline.
09/09/09
Save the voice work, which is celebrity-heavy and mostly undistinguished, 9 is a marvel to take in, especially the individual character designs.
09/09/09
Soulful, streamlined and brilliantly executed, "9" is a contender for best action film of the year.
09/09/09
9 is the kind of movie that breaks your heart. It shows so much promise, but then wastes it on the same old fuddy duddy future shock storyline.
09/08/09
A visually stunning achievement, "9" has taken computer animation to a whole new level.
09/08/09
A visually striking piece of work from first-time feature director Shane Acker.
09/08/09
Most viewers will find themselves wishing that they had just said nein.
09/08/09
Latest News for 9
November 29, 2009:
Win Tickets To The Tim Burton-produced 9
Win one of 20 double passes to '9' the debut feature animation for director Shane Acker -- produced by Tim Burton. More...
September 10, 2009:
Critics Consensus: 9 Looks Great, But The Plot's Weak
This week at the movies, we've got post-apocalyptic conflict (9, with voice work by Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly); Antarctic intrigue (Whiteout, starring Kate Beckinsale... More...
September 08, 2009:
Shane Acker and Elijah Wood Interviews at Comic-Con 
More...
September 04, 2009:
9 has an impressive pedigree behind it in the guise of producers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Nightwatch) and the trailer looks intriguing enough despite the cutesy sackcloth characters.
More...
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