In a world where humanity has vanished and all that’s left is an unstoppable destruction, there lies a tattered hero. This monster he encounters is not of the realms of the unknown, but a creation of mankind. Thus “Transformers”? Nay, more like American robots that zap and destroy any speck of life that remain inhaling.

From producer Tim Burton, “9” is a fairy tale turned disaster where the growth of technology has gone terribly wrong. The story takes place on Judgment Day where people who had everything are demolished by their own selfish automated solutions. 

Before his unfortunate death, a not-so-evil scientist crafts up nine miniature sack soldiers, which contain every aspect of his soul, to take down the almighty machine he invented. Rag doll 9, voiced by Elijah (“Frodo”) Wood, specifically is a born leader who has confidence yet is unaware of the power sucking danger he stumbles upon. And no, his environmental task doesn’t involve Global Warming.

In the first 10 minutes of the movie, 9 peeks out of a tin can hoping one of the mechanical soldiers has disappeared. In a matter of cinema suspension, the robotic henchman suddenly reappears through the break, roaring with rage, and 9 jerks back trying to prevent the metal claws from clutching his raggedy form.

The film stretches towards the Gothic cobwebs of entertainment, but ends up being filed under the marshmallows of children’s cereal boxes. Not to say it isn’t scary for 7-year-olds, but it lacks Burton’s signature creepiness. For a movie that’s rated based on its violence and scary images, “Alice in Wonderland” can scare the snot out any 13-year-old more than this film.

However, exposing soft spots in a gruesome flick isn’t half-bad. The contrasting images separate from what is human (Although miniature Raggedy Anne’s aren’t the ideal figures of Average Joes) and what is simply programmed.

Spoiler alert! There’s a moment after the first battle with the unstoppable machine where rag dolls 3 and 4 run across a rusty record player with the song, “Over the Rainbow” as their victory salute. This scene embodies the sweetness of each numerical warrior, dancing around as if a child were actually lifting them up off the ground while imagining a selfless, hopeful world. It’s an alter aspect from what each number goes through risking their lives escaping robots day-to-day.

The movie demonstrates a timely message of greed, where literally, if overdosed, it can ultimately kill any chance of a prosperous future. But must it include puffy crimes? 

In one particular scene, 8, an ignorant ogre-built doll, endorses drug-use by sticking a magnet over his head while on lookout. All the cool rags do it! I’m not sure exactly what director and writer Shane Acker was getting with this setting, but it sure spreads out the field to his audience. I suspect the scientist had a high-er personality then thought of.

A wise advisor once said, “We’re in a world of greater distraction …we don’t have to think of anything.” Though the film too portrays this message, Acker emphasizes the not thinking part.