9is the animated feature that was released 9/9/2009. Pretty sweet marketing timing on that one. It is Shane Acker’s first full length movie that he got to make thanks to his brilliant short film (which can be seen on the DVD).

9 expands his short film about these 9 small rag dolls that seem to be the only living things on earth. Something has wiped out most life and the dolls come together to survive and figure out what to do. Each one has their own personality and 9 is the last one to become self aware (as the case may be). It’s a darker film than most animated pictures these days, which I really appreciated. It’s not that grown up, but it’s definitely not a Disney picture, it is rated PG-13 for it’s more intense action scenes where the dolls fight off robotic creatures, bent on their destruction.

I really love how this movie looks and animates. The creature design of the enemies are really cool, each of the 9 dolls looks distinct and full of life even though they don’t have eyes (more like camera lenses). Each doll was made by a man who got better and better at it as he went on and it shows. Even better is the environments that resemble a 1920’s post-war Europe. The lighting is very carefully crafted as is the direction.

It’s a simple adventure with a good moral story that’s very enjoyable to watch. Different and beautiful I give it a hearty recommendation.