I don't blame you for not watching District 9 yet. You probably heard it described as social commentary about apartheid thinly disguised as science fiction. While the movie is set in Johannesburg, it's not a heavy-handed lecture about race and inequality. It's some of the smartest, most compelling sci-fi put to film this year. The special effects—especially a climactic battle between a giant robot and a battalion of ruthless, alien-hating soldiers—surpass even this year's Star Trek for sheer awesomeness. Don't watch it for social justice; watch it because it fucking kicks ass. (See Movie Times: thestranger.com/film.)