A movie to inspire. "9" is about nine alive dolls that hold the spark of life trying to take down the robot brain that killed off humanity. Honestly, this is in my Top 5 Animation movies. The story is pretty good. However, it feels like it should have spanned a few movies rather than suppressing it down to one. Additionally, it's really gritty, dark, and even scary at times. If I saw this movie a bunch of times, I'm sure I'd find a Skynet reference. Ages 12+, Grade B

When the name Tim Burton is associated with a project, you know what you're getting: dark. "9" follows suit.

Burton is just one of the four producers of Shane Acker's "9," which explores a post-apocolyptic world as seen by the ninth of nine robots with human characteristics. These nine robots are not the only creatures still inhabiting the world. The other robots, however, are the ones that brought the end of the world and seek to extinguish the nine emoti-bots as well.

"9" explores the troubles technology can bring if science is not conjoined with conscience. The debate over science as good or evil seems to be a strong theme these days in America and the movie is an excellent launching pad for discussion. "9" was borne, itself, as Acker's Oscar-nominated short film in 2005 -- so seeing the movie as commentary of a confusing time militarily is also of note. While not too overt and I personally didn't find it disturbing, it may also be read into the film that the scientist creator is a god of sorts.

All of that will likely go over the heads of kids who will just enjoy the film for its astonishing animation and unique storytelling. "9" is rated PG-13 for violence and scary moments and it does, indeed, have both. It's about murderous robots that turn on the humans and we're shown the war in which the world comes to an end as well as a few dead bodies, including a dead baby.

Tim Burton also seems to have a love for sewn-up dolls and for children who find dolls unsettling, a kidnapping robo-doll-worm could provide many a nightmare. The trailers for "9" give you a creepy vibe so your child may be the best judge whether the film is okay for her or not. Otherwise, I'd say Acker tells you which age the film is appropriate for: 9 and up.