Reel Critics:

Once again, Tim Burton lovers dare to enter the twisted and beautiful world full of creations from the brilliant mind that brought you such films as “Edward Scissorhands” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

The ominous backdrop of “9,” which Burton produced, inspires a childish curiosity that pushes the animated film into another genre altogether.

It is a revitalizing film that can bring anyone back into the forgotten imaginations of childhood.

The dark and forsaken feel of the movie and PG-13 rating prove that this animated film is not just for the kiddies, but it still gets the moral message across and keeps audience’s attention in the short 79 minutes.

In “9,” the last traces of humanity face the evil creations of a beastly machine that has been corrupted by the greedy intentions of bloodthirsty men long gone in a post-apocalyptic world.

Nine characters, brought to life with an unknown purpose, try to find meaning in their existence by banding together in a struggle for survival and preservation of the last hints of life.

It’s impossible not to feel empathy for the innocent and unlikely heroes donned in potato sacks that appear as if they could have come from the popular video game “Little Big Planet.”

The otherworldly creations born from the imagination of director and writer Shane Acker courageously fight to save their home against impossible odds in the desolate remains of what was once mankind’s world.

Going through the film is the lesson that destruction is a necessary evil toward a better good.

Along the way, tales of sacrifice, loss and hope, and thrilling action sequences come together for an entertaining film sure to please moviegoers of all ages.

— Skyler Blair

Remember peace and LSD of the ’60s

Renowned director Ang Lee has created Oscar-level films with very different themes. Special effects and fantasy are the heart of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

The real-life issues of sexual identity drive “Brokeback Mountain.” Lee now takes a surprisingly lightweight look at one of the most heavyweight events of the 20th century.

The 1969 concert at Woodstock was the defining moment of an entire generation.

It was the coming-out party for the Peace and Love movement that thrust the hippie philosophy into the political mainstream.

The primary messengers were the top rock bands of the era. Artists like Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, and Crosby, Stills and Nash were the movers and shakers who delivered the message to the mass media.

However, in “Taking Woodstock,” the great music is in the background.

This is really a delightful film that focuses on the little people in the small towns of upstate New York who made the festival possible.

The effects of the hippie invasion reflect the impact of this startling event on the whole nation.

The cinematography captures the look and feel of the times. The overall mood is very good natured and sweet.

But the R rating is earned by a realistic portrayal of a psychedelic trip on LSD and lots of nude hippies swimming in the nearby lakes.

This effort is a small gem that will delight those who appreciate the happy mess on Yasgur’s farm that brought joy to millions.

SKYLER BLAIR is the executive editor of the Daily Titan newspaper at Cal State Fullerton. JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office.