9 (Theatrical)

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Welcome to a world where no humans exist due to a war with machines. (Yes, another film with the backdrop of artificial intelligence destroying mankind.) In this world, the only objects alive are nine toy-size dolls made of mechanical parts and covered by burlap material. Among the destruction, there are other mechanical monstrosities roaming about, all of them surviving on the scraps of debris left behind in a ruined city that looks something closer to Berlin in 1944. All of these mechanical creations come from a scientist (voiced by Alan Oppenheimer) who had every intension of ending the war with machines, but failed. It would appear the road to hell truly is paved with good intensions.

It is up to nine toylike dolls to survive in a world that resembles parts of "Saving Private Ryan" meets "The Matrix" meets "The Terminator" franchise. Odd combination to be sure, but you really need to put the brain aside to comprehend the style. The extinct humans themselves are more of a representation to the Nazis of World War II, as well as the overall atmosphere blending with a mechanical, dark future. In this case, it´s difficult to distinguish if it is a future and much easier to digest as pure fantasy or an alternate reality.

Going into "9" I did my best to stay clear of buzz and reviews so I could just get my own perspective. Five-minutes into the film I sensed someone was out to steal the mind and technique of Tim Burton. To my surprise, Tim Burton just happened to be one of the executive producers. Nevertheless, the real credits of this dark and creative world go to the director, Shane Acker, and to the screenwriter, Pamela Pettler. Nevertheless, it does appear the story could have easily been lead and guided by you-know-who.

The filmmakers manage to bring aboard a wonderful cast of voice talent: A stubborn, fearful, and obviously older character known as #1, voiced by Christopher Plummer. Martin Landau voices the character of #2, who is also assumed to be much older in age. John C. Reilly is the voice of #5, a fearful little character influenced by the main lead, #9, who is voiced by Elijah Wood. I´m sure many fans of Wood know him best as Frodo from "Lord of the Rings." The truly bravest character that is already fighting the leftover scraps of A.I. machines is the character #7, voiced by Jennifer Connelly. You would almost assume #7 might play into some kind of love interest, but don´t get your hopes up as the movie never really develops a heart. Not to mention, of all the toylike dolls the scientist created, why was #7 the only one to at least seem female?

"9" begins as we watch #9 come to life in a war-torn world where all humans have been exterminated by machines. #9 ends up meeting some colleagues in his adventures and the messages of fear and bravery are exchanged through much of the narrative. Along the way, there is plenty of eye-popping action but ultimately the story is about how #9 accidently turns on a machine known as "The Brain." (This machine was also developed by the departed scientist with every intension of ending the war; however, corrupt, Nazi-like leaders use it as a weapon.) As with many films that deal with A.I., the machine becomes self aware and sets out to destroy anything left alive in a fashion similar to the machines of "The Matrix" or "The Terminator." There are differences, however, which I dare not give away. Nonetheless, the plot goes on as the toylike characters are chased down in constant peril, trying to survive in a world closer represented by early century settings rather than a near future.