DVD
REVIEW: IN TIME
1/28/12
OVERVIEW:
Let the countdown begin. Leave the existing world behind and enter into a futuristic world where the aging gene is switched off after 25 and time is money, literally, that many can’t afford in the cutting-edge thriller IN TIME, arriving on Blu-ray and DVD January 31 from
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Featuring an all-star cast including Justin Timberlake
(The Social Network), Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!) and Cillian Murphy (Inception), the film puts an innovative spin on class warfare and explores the corruptness that lies within.
SYNOPSIS:
In the future, time has become the ultimate currency and genetic alteration has allowed people to stop aging at 25 years old. Upon reaching 25, the countdown begins and in order to stay alive everyone must work to buy themselves more time or die within a year. The rich can buy their way out of the situation, while the rest are left to negotiate for immortality. When a struggling young man, Will Salas
(Timberlake), comes in contact with a “millionaire,” he is gifted more time than he can imagine. Falseley accused of murder, Will is a fugitive on the run and becomes determined to bring down the entire system by any means possible.
FILM REVIEW: So, does Justin Timberlake bring sexy back to the cinema? In a way, yes he does, but not completely. You’ve got to hand it to these film makers taking a gamble on Justin to lead this movie. Did they really think he could carry it? Well, he does come close, but he is still a little rough. His performance at times was pretty good and at others was pretty cheesy and weak, kind of like the movie itself as a whole. There were just too many unimpressive moments in the film too overlook. It does have very impressive moments as well though, enough to make the movie worthwhile to watch but don’t expect it to blow you away. The concept is excellent and probably the best aspect of this film. The sexiness is found in the look and feel of it. It blends retro, current, and futuristic looks in a balanced way such that none of them is overpowering. I especially got a kick from the classic automobiles such as pristine 70s Dodge Challengers and Lincoln limousines running on 100% electric engines. There is also an abundance of sexiness in the cast. JT looks good, but of course for my particular tastes Olivia Wilde and Amanda Seyfried looked better. Olivia was spot on but her role was too small. I would have preferred to see her more involved. Amanda was as sharp in her performance as she was with her mesmerizing looks in this film. She paired up very well with Justin. One of the better performances was given by Cillian Murphy. He is very good at being cold and intimidating.
To say that this film is making a socio-political statement is an understatement. The plot is based on the separation of social classes via the concept of survival of the fittest, or richest. The interesting twist of course is that the main commodity is time not money which brings to life the old saying, time is money. Well, in this case it is quite literal. The movie does have a decent amount of action and thrills but it also has its share of cheesiness and corniness. Justin tries to present a character who seems to be a mix of Robin Hood and James Bond, but he is no Russell Crowe or Daniel Craig. I will give him a “B” for effort though. Part of the problem with this film is the lack of depth in the characters. You don’t get a good chance to understand their background or connect to their respective motivations. And although the concept is good, the storyline could have been better than what it is. Director Andrew Niccol has some good work under his belt not only as director but as a writer and producer as well. For example, he wrote and directed
Gattaca, S1mOne, and Lord of War. This production falls nicely in place but I wouldn’t say it’s his best work.
Review
By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
DVD: The film is
presented in widescreen in a 1.85:1 aspect ration
preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just
flawless. Not only the picture looks great in
this release, also the sound it is good, a 5.1 Dolby Digital
in English, Spanish and French 2.0 Dolby Sorround that provides a
good complement to the picture. It also includes
English, French and Spanish
subtitles.
VIDEO:
1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
AUDIO:
English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Surround,French 2.0 Dolby Surround
Subtitles - English Spanish French
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Deleted/Extended Scenes
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