In Time (2011)
Violence and infrequent coarse language
In the future, people stop aging at 25 and must work to buy themselves more time. But when a young man finds himself with more time than he can imagine, he must run from the corrupt police force to save his life.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 100mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Clock your body
by Simon Miraudo, 27/10/2011 2:56:00 PM
Andrew Niccol’s In Time has the air of a half-baked student production about it, and not just because some of the super young and sexy cast are forced to play eighty-year-olds. It’s set in the not-too-distant future, where currency has been replaced with time. People stop ageing at 25, and must then purchase days and weeks if they wish to continue living. The rich ones can maintain their youthful visage for all of eternity; the poor just leave a pretty corpse. Workers are paid in hours; a cup of coffee costs a couple of minutes; you get the idea. Everyone is reminded of their mortality by a fluorescent green tattoo on their arm that constantly ticks down to zero. Olivia Wilde plays Justin Timberlake’s mum (which must have inspired some very confusing thoughts in a teenage JT), while Vincen...
Andrew Niccol’s In Time has the air of a half-baked student production about it, and not just because some of the super young and sexy cast are forced to play eighty-year-olds. It’s set in the not-too-distant future, where currency has been replaced with time. People stop ageing at 25, and must then purchase days and weeks if they wish to continue living. The rich ones can maintain their youthful visage for all of eternity; the poor just leave a pretty corpse. Workers are paid in hours; a cup of coffee costs a couple of minutes; you get the idea. Everyone is reminded of their mortality by a fluorescent green tattoo on their arm that constantly ticks down to zero. Olivia Wilde plays Justin Timberlake’s mum (which must have inspired some very confusing thoughts in a teenage JT), while Vincent Kartheiser is all blustery as Amanda Seyfried’s elderly dad. This is as close to a plot as we’ll get.
In Time is the cinematic equivalent of the stoned dude at the party who comes up with one barely interesting ‘what if’ scenario, then proceeds to nudge us repeatedly until we express to them the extent to which they have blown our mind. Writer/director Niccol has penned affecting, prescient sci-fi films in the past (Gattaca and The Truman Show), but his latest is missing the heart, brain and potentially even the spleen of his previous works. His central idea is only partly developed, and a late attempt to make it a ‘rich exploiting the poor’ parable (ever noticed how one per cent of people are older than the other 99 per cent combined?) becomes embarrassing fairly quickly.
Ghetto-dwelling Timberlake and rebellious heiress Seyfried team up to rip off her father’s banks and distribute time (Robin Hood style) amongst the poor. They are hardly the Bonnie and Clyde of our generation, but that doesn't stop them from making eyes at one another, playing strip poker, shooting guns, and driving trucks into safes (in what must surely be the least imaginative bank robbery sequence ever). Meanwhile, a Timekeeping spook played by Cillian Murphy tries to hunt down these dangerous folk heroes, lest everyone realise how tenuous and stupid the system of time-currency really is. The audience is way ahead of them.
So many silly moments to mention, yet there’s so little time to do so. A revenge plot revealed by Timberlake to a random driver; a shoe-horned Casino Royale-aping casino sequence; an arm wrestle (to the death); Seyfried being asked to do little other than running in a variety of figure-hugging outfits. Worse than all the silliness, the film is just plain boring. It’s an unfortunate movie that squanders a genuinely talented cast (and a peculiar movie in which Alex Pettyfer gives the best performance), but Niccol’s flimsy excuse for a sorta-dystopian tale of kinda-inequality is neither able to justify its clumsy metaphors or its reason for spending our precious time. (By the way, I’m sure these characters had actual names, but I certainly don’t recall, and looking them up on IMDB would just be a waste of … well, you know.)
1.5/5
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Member Reviews (57)
57 Member
Reviews
Purplesue
says
Ok I guess, but wouldn't rave about it. Justin Timberlake was quite good in it, proving himself to be an up & coming actor, someone to watch in the future if he gets some good gutsy roles. A good storyline kept the interest going, but only just.
says
Concept is very good acting is reasonable and lots of stars
AJ
says
Watchable but the premise is too silly and unscientific so that the plot holes are just too noticeable. If time is your currency and programmed into your body and you can steal someone else's just by touch (thereby killing them) then what stops all the poor people just killing each other? If you never age past 25 years, and society wants to keep the population down by artificially jacking up prices daily to kill people off, then why not just introduce advanced contraception? The more I think about it the dumber it is.
says
good
Ian
says
What a good movie. Justin Timberlake continues to surprise me. Interesting concept and I thoroughly enjoyed it... I'm not normally into science fiction, but this was different.
says
Interesting premise for a story and quite a good plot and ending.
Denise
says
Good movie
Enello
says
Interesting concept and reasonably well executed. I enjoyed this movie
Tara
says
I really enjoyed the story line and JT was great in his role. Overall an entertaining movie.
Rocky
says
Scary, exciting, different story line I liked it and Justin Timberlake is starting to grow on me
Natalie
says
Thought provoking and an interesting concept. It stopped short of being a blockbuster as there was no memorable dialogue, unconventional action or edgy romantic tension. I'm a bit disappointed that the script content wasn't beefed up beyond the concept itself.
Anita L
says
Interesting idea. Quite enjoyed the movie. But imagine if it was real? There'd be stealing, war, murder and fighting everywhere. Not sure about the whole everyone looking young thing...
Howie
says
Different concept, interesting movie - enjoyable
Lisa
says
Bit of a strange movie about the future but i did like the character Justin played
Goldie78
says
Good sci-fi movie with an interesting concept and fair share of action. Good couple of hours entertainment.
Paul
says
Very cool sci-fi premise. Bonnie and Clyde with Robin Hood's mission. Not bad.
Andrew
says
If you liked The Adjustment Bureau, you should get a kick out of this. I didn't think it was quite as good, but the concept is intersting and JT and his supporting cast do a pretty good job.
Pfurball
says
Damn good action movie on a totally twisted theme. It is a bit of an updated Logans Run movie but JT can really act and I enjoyed the whole thing.
Noel
says
The jury is still out on this film. The concept is very good as is the acting and production, however it is very slow to the dreary or boring stage. The plot is pretty well predictable with an obvious ending which you could see coming for about half the film, but having said all that, I found it entertaining.
Shep
says
I quite enjoyed this. Insteresting concept. Actually kinda scary concept. The two leads did well. Who knew Justin would be such a good actor?
Evert
says
Great movie, loved that it was different and revolved around time and not money, well throught of!
JennyD120257
says
I like a good Sci Fi movie bnut this one just had too much going on
The basic idea of buying or stealing time from others to live longer and then when your clock runs out you just fall down dead.... to buy food or a ride on bus deducts time.. being paid for a job adds to time and then there are theives who ambush people an steal their time....
Apparrently you can take or give time to anyone - no restrictions....
Well the movie lost my interest right there..
If your technology is so advanced to implant devices into everyone ever born that controls their death then there would be technology to stop someone stealing your time...
Ho
says
The film idea is really good and obsessive. Acting by Justin is good, I am a bit surprised. Good movie to watch, though a bit not satisfied with the ending.
Tate
says
A decent sci-fi flick - well worth watching and something to ruminate on afterwards.
Jenzie
says
A different view of life on a journey that keeps you on your feet. Fascinating!
Terry
says
Not with standing a giant plot hole or two, a worthwhile science fiction movie. Money is replaced by time. If you run out of time, you are dead.
Kim
says
Well what a surprise this film was......I didn't want it to finish!
Carlos
says
i liked the concept and the atmosphere around it but there are some big plot holes
JohnandSara
says
Logans run but rubbish. That is all.
Marshall
says
A great concept for a film in the true vein of a modern Dystopia. The lead acting left something to be desired although they worked well together. An original and strong storyline that was partly let down by the actors and the ending. A film you will watch and consider as more than okay, but may not rate it much higher than three stars.
Rebecca
says
Interesting twist on how we could exsist in the world- currency. General story- ok
nat
says
Good movie a bit long though
GH
says
Enjoyable movie, different concept, a bit of a robin hood, Bonnie and Clive and Logan's run all wrapped into one. Loved it.
Johnson
says
Brilliant premise, but seems to run out of steam. They could have done so much more with it -- instead it devolves into a Bonnie and Clyde resolution. Still, it's a good watch.
andrea
says
not bad,watchable if nothing on tv
tjhowell
says
This film had an intriguing premise, and it could have been an excellent film. It hinted at some of the philosophical difficulties of being able to literally buy time. The first time we saw a glimpse of it was in the conversation between the 'benefactor' and Justin Timberlake's character, which was a short monologue that briefly explained the benefits and desire of mortality. It was enough to whet my appetite, but then the scene ended. Similarly, a conversation between JT and Amanda Seyfried about what it means to be able to live forever was cut short. The most interesting one-liner was by Vincent Karheiser's character, when he said "There is nothing I can't buy." Again, I thought that was a hint at what immortality means (since the wealthy in real life can buy everything EXCEPT time), but, true to form -- cut to chase scene.
The action-thriller part of the film got in the way of exploring the really interesting elements of mortality and controlling time. It could have been amazing and thought-provoking: the sort of film you're still thinking about a week later. It didn't quite get there, though; it's just a reasonably entertaining piece of cinema instead.
jtbug
says
Loved the set-up, just lost interest towards the end. Could've been a minor sci-fi classic a la Minority Report or Children of Men, but falls well short of the mark because the script refuses to take the subject matter seriously enough to make it fully engaging. Still, there's a bit of fun to be had provided you tolerate sci-fi and Justin Timberlake for that matter.
Aaron Ramon Ki Re
says
Really good much better than i expected. A sci-fi version of Bonnie and Clyde - the idea of existing on given time is refreshing and JT is actually a good actor - who would've thought it?!!!
Alannah
says
Can't wait to see this movie, Justin Timberlake is the best!
Marg
says
Absolutely loved the idea and although there was a good build up, it did fall a bit flat towards the end for me. Wouldn't mind seeing a sequal though - as long as they bump up the action and storyline. 3.5
poshreany
says
fantastic movie... loved the whole idea of using time for live it was original and very enjoyable.
Lisa
says
Enjoyed. Good cast. Not what I was expecting.
Christie
says
A good watch. The time = currency theme was good. The ending was a bit disappointing.
Emily
says
Pretty good movie, it was one of those... is that the end? movies. Great movie subject using time as the worlds economy and the main characters were awesome. Seyfried was so beautiful!
Azzardleigh
says
Very solid B grade film. Surprise acting from Timberlake, in a good way. Similar premise to 'Logan's Run'. Extra star just for being a nice surprise on a Friday night, after having heard so many bad reviews. Well paced and interesting movie.
Ivo
says
Andrew Niccol is one of my favourite writer-directors responsible for some of my favourite films (Gattaca, Truman Show, Lord of War) but "In Time" is a bit of a dud. The idea is good but the execution provides us with little more than Bonnie & Clyde with digital wrist watches.
Jon
says
Yes the time=currency idea is a good Sci-Fi concept but that's really the only thing going for this movie. Very weak storyline and boring dialogue from start to finish. There are plot holes in nearly every scene. Expected so much more from the director who did Gattaca and Truman Show. If you're a lover of good Sci-Fi you will find this movie almost unwatchable. 2 stars for the concept only.
GM
says
Really excellent, thought out concept- but didn't have a huge impact. Cillian Murphy made this movie worthwhile.
Tammit
says
I really enjoy the original storyline but like the comments below felt is slow drift away. became slightly boring and really wanted more of an impact ending. worth a watch. kinda reminded me of super 8.
Legendab
says
Futuristic 'Time is Money' Robin Hood. OK but fell short of high expectations from the lively preview. The ending also left the entire movie feeling unfinished.
Bayunka
says
Great concept - fall short in the end.
June
says
Great concept, but too long and not very inspiring. Bonnie and Clyde storyline was quite predictable. Too many car chases and not enough story.
Larry
says
Interesting Science Fiction movie where time is used as money, although they never explain how that works for anyone under 25 years old who cannot yet use time yet?? OK movie, lousy actors!
Phil
says
Not bad for the first half. Timberlake plays alright. The storyline is fine despite the fact I would have liked to see people getting older. Didn't like the romance scenes which are typical from Hollywood and actually useless for the movie itself. Conclusion - Surprisingly alright to entertain without having to think too much about realism. To be clear this is an action movie, not a drama. It is as realistic as Total Recall or The Island for example. Also Coincidences are plenty like in most Hollywood movies and the second half of the movie falls into the cliche ...chase, good versus bad, good winning, heroism and unfortunately flaws and awkward scenes. A very politically correct and previsible movie indeed.
Ann E.
says
Unique storyline where money is replaced by 'time', reminded me me of a cross between 'The Matrix' & 'The Adjustment Bureau', highlights social hierarchy in our world today but taken to a whole new level. Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried are brilliant as the young couple from the opposite side of the tracks or in this case 'different zones' as they pair up to fight poverty & injustice in a futuristic world. Great viewing and thought provoking.
Crissy
says
It's a good movie, but could've been alot better.
Love the currency idea.
Deb
says
Great movie, facinating story, great acting, lots of suspense and lots of action. It really reflects promblems in our society. Kept me glued to the screen the whole time. I highly recommend it.