If you've never seen the short, I highly recommend it. The movie expands on the themes presented in it and integrates many of its elements, which is nice for fans of the earlier work. Both are visually stunning and have an impressive amount of detail and ambiance. The post-apocalyptic setting is convincing and sufficiently creepy, but the monstrous antagonists in the story complete the terrifying package. The back story is a familiar apocalypse scenario, but the doll protagonists is a unique twist which makes the story all the more interesting considering the size of the protagonists to the demolished world they inhabit and the challenges they face. Each protagonist is unique, with a personality and depth convincingly conveyed by their mannerisms and dialog. I had my doubts about the voice casting, but left pleasantly surprised. The movie is short compared to some of the three-hour epics, but it is a perfect length and well-paced. Not bad, given that it started as an 11 minute short.

9 is the latest of dark animated movies, following The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, and Coraline. Produced by Tim Burton and the director of Wanted (whose name I can't remember how to spell), and directed by Shane Ackler, the movie tells the story about how a scientist creates 9 rag dolls to save the world from the machines that have ended humanity. From beginning to end, it is extremely dark and visual amazing. The way the ragdolls are is very unique and the way the machines look is very creative. A lot of great minds went into this film, and the result was great. And everyone who says that this isn't a kids movie is right. In no way is this a kids movie.

Overall I thought the movie was good. My husband and I went to see it and we are big fans of animated movies and Tim Burton. It was very different and I liked the characters but I thought it could have been so much better. Its really vague on the details on the technology used to bring these creatures to life and really rushes through some parts of the movies while it drags in others. I still liked it though and I'm glad I saw it.

I must say this is one of the few very interesting movies I have seen in ages. Its one of those where you may not completely understand the storyline at first, but find your eyes can't be taken off the screen. Its honestly THAT good. THe pros: great storyline great animation / graphics good character depth and development NOT cliche very "dark" throughout the movie (not in terms of lighting, just the general eerie look and feel) [It certainly feels like you're in a post-war destruction era] Good timeframe (the movie does not declare a specific date or history but it has enough elements from the 1930s and the present to drive the point that its events could happen at any time!) The cons: 1.) You can only see a movie so many times before you spend all your money 2.) The sequel is not out yet! GO SEE THIS MOVIE. I can honestly give it a 5 out of 5! :-)

kind of deflates at the end