9 (2009) Review:

Animated films are no small industry as it once was. After Pixar and Dreamworks hit it big with their films in the late 1990s, several more studios jumped in to try and compete. The thing was though, many were competing for the same demographic. That demographic was more family friendly than anything else. Only recently has the film industry seen an interest in making more adult related animated features for theaters to distribute. A film that would come to mind would be Sausage Party (2016). That though was in the genre of comedy, which needed an R rating. However not all adult films need to be rated R. A perfect example would be this feature film.

Rag doll # 9

The story here is about a rag doll labeled number 9 (Elijah Wood), who wakes up in a strange setting. His surroundings consist of a massive wasteland, only to discover other rag dolls like him with other numbers. Number 8 (Fred Tatasciore), 7 (Jennifer Connelly), 6 (Crispin Glover), 5 (John C. Reilly), 4 & 3 are silent twins and 2 (Martin Landau), all led by 1 (Christopher Plummer). Even Alan Oppenheimer has a small role. The difference is, 9 found a green glowing piece that seems to be important. Unfortunately, none of them know what its purpose is for. To their dismay, this isn't their only problem. The dolls are also being hunted by mechanical predators made from animal parts that are seeking though take their lives.

The script was penned by Pamela Pettler, the same writer from Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005) and Monster House (2006). Seeing that, it is quite obvious where the darker elements to the film came from. For an animated film, the premise to this is far grimmer than some may think. The post-apocalyptic setting is refreshing and horrifying (in a good way) at the same time because how unexpected things are depicted. There is death shown and it's not exactly hidden from the viewers' eyes. Credit needs to be given for Shane Acker who has only directed this film. Since then he has been a previsualization artist for other projects like Total Recall (2012) and 47 Ronin (2013).

What doesn't work in the script's favor is the logic behind it. There's a kind of science that is used in this film that doesn't go into great depth. Sure, this film is a fantasy, but even so the idea behind the plot is bizarre. The time at which this takes place doesn't seem anywhere near the current day. The same could also be said for the purpose of the plot. The dolls have a reason for being there, but once it is revealed, it's questionable as to how it'll help. It's really not clear at all, but the voice actors behind the characters make up for that. All of them have moments that feature them in a way so the audience gets a chance to relate and understand the dolls.

"Noppppe......doesn't look dark enough for me....."

The animation to this film was well done. While it is unclear how cinematography assisted in this project, Kevin R. Adams was the director of photography. Aside from this, he has remained in the art department. The animators behind the film though did a great job. The rag dolls are expressive and the antagonists they come across are also quite intriguing to watch in their movements. The music however was even greater with its sound. Composed by Deborah Lurie, the score has fantastic sounding music that works well with the action, horror and more emotional moments. She has also composed for Dear John (2010) and Footloose (2011). Luckily for her, a score was released to show just how good she is.

While the details in the plot itself and the logic behind it isn't all that believable, that doesn't mean the film doesn't entertain. The voice cast, animation, dark storytelling and the music all help in making this a mature animated film fun to revisit.

Points Earned --> 7:10