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I hate
writing reviews for really great movies. It is so difficult to find the
words to describe how a truly great movie makes you feel. So I am going
to do things a little differently this time. Here are some words and the
explanation for why I chose them. Before I do that I will give you the
short review. An emotionally gripping, beautiful, tense, funny, and
engrossing must see from director Alfonso Cuaron that is my number one
movie for the year. This has something for everybody and then some.
Emotionally
gripping – You sit down expecting a decent sci-fi flick with an
undertone of Blade Runner. What you get is a movie that, for
someone like me who doesn't read under the surface of movies, still
grips you and doesn't let go. I got the idea that there was a whole lot
of symbolism going on here that I chose not to try and decipher, I just
went along for the roller coaster ride.
Beautiful –
There are moments in this movie that are just so emotionally charged and
symbolic that you just have to say that it's beautiful. Even though the
movie is set in a war torn England where the future seems to hold no
hope. Look for the long continuous shot when Theo goes into the building
to save Kee. That shot is almost too much, both emotionally and
cinematographically.
Tense – The
action sequences are awesome. Reminds me of the opening of Saving
Private Ryan and the commercial for that WWII game for the X-Box
360. These characters aren't in it for survival of the individual, they
are in it for the species, to quote Doogie Howser from
Starship Troopers.
Funny –
Besides anything Michael Caine says, Children Of Men is filled
with fantastic little quips that are spot on. These characters use humor
to deal with the bleakness and ugliness around them. None of the humor
seems over the top or out of place.
Engrossing –
Most of the time at the theater I look around to see what kind of
audience there is, take my time writing notes, making sure that my wife
is enjoying herself, so on and so forth. Children Of Men had me
from the beginning. I took only two notes for the whole film. “Michael
Caine is on some good drugs (probably Strawberry Cough).” and “A little
too much hand held camera work”.
The camera
work note was the only problem I had with the whole movie but I
understand the reasoning behind it. Cuaron wanted a documentary feel to
the film but I think it is a little overused. Not only in this movie but
in TV, movies and video games. I even turn the bob option off in most 3rd
person shooters I play. So that may just be my personal preference but
dammit, they make tripods for a reason!
For those
who need more, everybody involved with this film gave stellar
performances. Clive Owen's Theo has lost his way after the death of his
child. He just doesn't care anymore until he meets Kee. Julianne Moore's
performance as Julian was just as good. You can see the chemistry
between her and Owen. You know that there is a chance for them as
lovers. Michael Caine's Jasper stole the show though. A hippy pot
growing recluse that just enjoys the hell out of life with a penchant
for the classic “pull my finger” joke. The rest of the cast shines in
their respective parts. There are no bad performances in this movie at
all.
Final
thoughts – Just a damn good movie that is completely relevant with the
direction that the world is heading. The final message for me is “Never
give up hope.” and have as many babies you can while you are still able
to, lol.
Keep
reading,
Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
I know you
guys are missing my “best lines' section and with newly released movies
quotes can be hard to find. Here are a few from Children Of Men.
Miriam:
As the sound of the playgrounds faded, the despair set in. Very odd,
what happens in a world without children's voices.
Theodore
Faron: Who's the father?
Kee:
There's no father. I'm a virgin. Nah! Be great, though, wouldn't it?
TV
Reporter: The world was stunned today by the death of Diego Ricardo,
the youngest person on the planet, the youngest person on earth was 18
years, 4 months, 20 days, 16 hours, and 8 minutes old.
Jasper:
Pull my finger!
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