John’s Movie Musings

I love backstory – but only when it exists outside of the actual story.  That might be an odd stipulation, but rarely do two hours provide enough time to flesh things out.  Too many times I’ve seen it bog down the action.  But when backstory exists outside (perhaps in another medium), it’s like like those addictive chemicals KFC puts in their chicken.  I can’t stay away.

9 had one of the most innovating backstories ever.  Several months prior to the film’s release, the marketing department created a Facebook page for the Scientist character.  Through a series of short notes, Scientist journaled about his first steps into artificial intelligence, the Chancellor’s overbearing interest, the civil war, and each of the Scientist’s little creations.

I loved it all, but it created sort of a problem.  By the time 9 launched in theaters, I had several months of investment in the story.  I’m not sure any movie could survive that kind of expectation and well, 9 didn’t.  That’s not to say it’s a bad movie.  Far from it.  But the backstory contained a human element that was missing from the movie.  I’m not sure how they could have pulled that into a post-apocalyptic world, but the story needed some connection with humanity.  Without it, the movie spent two hours searching for a point.

I had high hopes for 9 and even though it fell short, I would still recommend it for a rental.  The world Tim Burton creates is interesting enough for you to take a peek.

Grade: B-