JustIN TIMEberlake.
Released: 2011
Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Initial previews of "In Time" made it appear like just another, run-of-the-mill, style-over-substance thriller, and in a lot of ways it is, but honestly there is a vast multitude of reasons to watch this wild sci-fi actioner: it's slick, sleek, fast-paced, and serves as another great example of Justin Timberlake's rise to legitimacy in the acting world. The film is beautifully-imagined, bringing to life a not-so-far-fetched futuristic world that seethes with equal parts hyper-charged techno-wonder and gritty realism. The best part is that underneath this mesmerizing, glossy shell is a subtle commentary that seems to parallel today's most pressing socials issues - it strikes very close to home watching these characters literally work and waste their lives away while the rich and privileged live in lavish squander. At the same time, the movie serves as a critique of sorts regarding this country's bizarre and intensifying obsession with youth. Regardless of the message here, a political agenda is not the main focus of this film, as this is still ultimately meant to be viewed only as a high-speed action romp and nothing much deeper. For all of its thought-provoking undertones, this isn't all that smart of a movie, playing to the same tune as similar high-octane thrillers, such as "Limitless," choosing to fall back on stunning visuals and explosive action sequences; instead of "cerebral" we get "formulaic." Fortunately, as a whole product, "In Time" is ridiculously fun to watch, and it doesn't waste time trying to explain the science behind the sci-fi, but rather jumps at us unflinchingly with guns blazing. Due to this naked and earnest approach, I have to say I recommend it for at least a single viewing.
Rating (out of 5): 3.5
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