Children of Men

I like movies that bring something up that hasn't necessarily been done before. This was the first thing that drew me into Children of Men, focusing mostly on the concept of a future where children cannot be made. Therefore, when people die, there is no one left. It's creepy. And Children of Men isn't the kind of film that is going to be optimistic about such subject matter.

This is one of the best directed films of the year. I feel this way about Babel as well, but they are two very different styles and are so for different reasons. Where Babel's genius in directing lies in the way it beautifully intertwines it's stories, Children of Men is wonderful at putting the audience into the moment. The film has a lot of handheld cameras. While watching it, a co-worker of mine thought that the film was messed up. The cameras are shakey a lot of the time, and this can seem a bit distracting at times. But it just adds to the realism of the directoring style, which is best shown in an amazing scene executed perfectly with a long shot and wonderful fast paced action.

The plot progression is a bit flawed and it feels like not a lot is accomplished in the movie overall, but it is hardly unsatisfactory. Where the movie ends up is in a comfortable ground. I felt very good about the way things came together.

It's a cool movie. It's not groundbreaking or anything, but it's still a very noteable film and one of the best of the year. Clive Owen proves yet again that he is a very solid actor. And director Alfonso Cuarón creates a piece of work that I can really admire. And I do.

A-

IMDB information on CHILDREN OF MEN