Review of District 9 (2009)
Seen in 2013.
The found footage framework breaks down so completely that it becomes counterproductive. The ignoble first contact narrative, an allegory of the slow growth of human empathy, is very good, but does have some holes. It doesn’t make sense for the aliens to be able to communicate intelligently, and still be so inept at explaining their situation and cooperating, even with one another, to fix it. The DNA lock on the weapons, and Wikus’ successful transformation, make it softer SF than the excellent aesthetic deserves.
References here: Story of Science Fiction (2018).