Shane Acker’s “9” could be easily praised as a visionary fantasy film, using lavish CG environments to conjure an alternate reality of robotic monsters and misguided heroism. It’s a gorgeous film. However, it’s not always the most convincing motion picture. Expanded from Acker’s celebrated 2005 short film, “9” feels unnaturally fleshed out and overthought, dampening the excitement through extensive padding, making a concept that was once based in mystery feel exaggerated beyond its natural comfort level. It’s captivating eye candy, but something of a dramatic spinout.
BRIAN ORNDORF 