"In Time" Review

[tj_teejay]

In Germany this movie is aptly subtitled "Your time is running out". And that kind of sums the movie up in a few simple words. But let me give you the summary from the official website:

When Will Salas is falsely accused of murder, he must figure out a way to bring down a system where time is money – literally – enabling the wealthy to live forever while the poor, like Will, have to beg, borrow, and steal enough minutes to make it through another day.

And this is where I sit at my computer to stare at the Word file I have open because I'm not sure what exactly else to write. I don't feel like putting together a whole elaborate review, but the movie warrants more than just a few shallow words. Maybe I should start with my overall initial reaction.

I liked it, but didn't love it. Truthfully, I liked it less than I thought I would, but it's hard for me to say why exactly that is. The plot was well executed and the acting was solid. There was a good mixture of action and dialogue. It was entertaining all the way through, but just... It didn't really grip me, you know? I didn't root for the characters. Which suggests there was something missing, but I can't say what.

Please don't take me wrong, it's not a bad movie, not by a long shot. I find the idea of the movie's universe, while slightly frightening, infinitely fascinating. And as fredo2706 pointed out to me afterwards, it reminds you of just how precious a commodity time really is. And it can't hurt to remember that often enough. It was also slightly bizarre to see that everyone looked the same age. It just seems so wrong that anyone's mother looks 25 when her son is visually just the same age.

Of course I need to say a few words about The Bomer. I already knew his role was going to be small and what his fate was going to be. It was great to see him in a role that's a little more gritty than the smooth Neal Caffrey. He conveyed what I think Henry Hamilton was supposed to be very well. Thumbs up all the way. And a little bonus visual material on top.



As for the other actors in the movie, Timberlake certainly delivered. Seyfried, well, can't say I was too impressed. Not a fan of the huge eyes, pouty lips and red wig. Not to mention the slightly ridiculous notion of repeatedly running for your life on 6-inch heels. Who did definitely impress me were Vincent Kartheiser and Cillian Murphy. I just hope Murphy doesn't eventually get typecast as the villain, because it almost seems like that's where he's headed. Must be his unconventional features and the piercing blue eyes.

I know I will be buying the movie on Blu-ray when it comes out. And maybe it'll reveal more upon rewatching. In fact, I might actually see it in the theater again when it comes to Germany in December. Hopefully together with kanarek13. Looking forward to that, and not just because of seeing Matt on the big screen again.

PS: Thanks, fredo2706, for indulging my actor-related whims. :-)

Comments

[ladydragoness.livejournal.com]

My husband took me out to see this for my birthday. I must agree that this movie does make you think about time in a slightly different manner. We both rather enjoyed it to varying degrees.

And, again, I must agree that it was the actors with less screen time (Bomer, Murphy, Kartheiser, and I'm going to add Pettyfer to this list) that gave more fulfilling and telling performances.

The more that I think about it, there kind of was just a little "something" missing. Besides a few more minutes of Matt.

[nefhiriel.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. Sounds fascinating! Ever since I heard Matt Bomer was going to be in it I was (naturally :D) curious. Now if only I had time to go see a movie. Ah, well, there's always the DVD. :P

[crism79.livejournal.com]

*looks at picture*

*thud*

Lol! I am curious to go watch the movie not only because of JT and The Bomer, but the story seems interesting.

It's not in theaters here yet... So I guess I have to look/drool at that picture some more...

[docs45.livejournal.com]

"In fact, I might actually see it in the theater again when it comes to Germany in December."
Hey, put me on the list, too!!! Do not forget!! >:-|

[tj-teejay.livejournal.com]

I can, but I'm gonna go to Berlin to watch it together with my friend from Poland... Somehow I have a feeling that's a bit too far for you, isn't it? ;-)

[docs45.livejournal.com]

hardly.... *sigh* I put it on my list for home screening. Interesting story. I like it. Btw. Cillian was not a villain in "Inception" and "Sunshine". But that about it, I think. :-) Have fun in Berlin.

[hai-di.livejournal.com]

Uih, nettes Bild! Das liefert schon gute Argumente! Klingt ja schon nicht schlecht, aber hier in der Provinz läuft bestimmt keine OV und wenn schon nur kurz Bomer, dann doch bitte mit Originalstimme. Von daher wird es vielleicht doch nur die DVD.

[ladyrose42.livejournal.com]

One could say I got lucky when this movie in the theatre. There was a power outage almost immediately after Matt's role ended. So we were given Re-admit tickets, so I got to seet the opening with Matt twice!!