January 8, 2007

• Children of Men

  OK, I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record with the movie recommendations, but ’tis the season .  This movie is SO COOL (When’s the last time a sci-fi film got a 92 on Rotten Tomatoes??).  It blew me away, and from the reaction around us in the theater, everyone felt the same.  It’s violent as hell, it’s dark, it’s depressing, but despite all that, it’s message of hope will give you goose bumps.  I won’t give too much away, I’ll let the trailer do some of that (this is one rare case where the movie is actually better than the trailer though):

  Julianne Moore takes a really reduced role in this film which is impressive.  Clive Owen gets better in every movie.  One critic described this film as a “valentine to what keeps us human”.  Whatever you do, don’t miss the first 5 minutes, or the last 15.  They will give you chills.  This is a visceral feast for the senses.  It’s not for everyone, the comparisons to the Holocaust are truly disturbing and the violence makes Kill Bill look like Mary Poppins.  People are comparing it to Blade Runner, which in some ways is apt, but in others not even close.  This film stands on it’s own.  I’m really looking forward to reading the book now. Oh, and watch for a delightful performance from Michael Caine as well as well as Chiwetal Ejiofor (who was one of the only good things in that overdrawn tsunami movie on HBO — besides Samrit Machielson).  Claire-Hope Ashitey is also someone to watch.  I have a feeling we’ll be seeing much more of her (sorry Sophie Okonedo!)  Finally, Charlie Hunnam is unrecognizable as Patric, he certainly has taken on some new roles since the Queer As Folk days.

  

  Charlie Hunnam

  

  Claire Hope Ashitey

  

  Chiwetel Eijofor and Clive Owen

  

  Michael Caine and Clive Owen

  

  Clive Owen and Julianne Moore

  

  • 5:23 am
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