Reviews by Matt

Expectations are dangerous things for a movie. In some cases too much can doom a movie for disappointment (a la Spider-Man 3) or the lack of can make for a pleasant surprise. Then there are those movies where even when you have heard everything there is to hear, you still have no idea what to expect.

“Children of Men” takes place in a grim future. Immigrants are rounded up and put far outside the city, wars rage and terrorists attack on a daily basis and the government is virtually non-existent. Along with all that, women can no longer give birth and the last time a baby was born 18 years ago in 2006. Now humanity is facing extinction within then next century. Theo (Clive Owen) seems content to welcome the end to humanity until his ex-wife Julian asks him to help Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey) an immigrant who has gotten pregnant get to the Human Project, a group who is working to solve the infertility problem. If the government found out that this immigrant was pregnant it would result in chaos.
What impressed me about the movie was the theme of hope that is present. The world is hopeless, Theo is hopeless, but all that could change. Kee’s baby is hope for the continuation of the human race. The need for her to have a successful birth and have a healthy baby is crucial for everyone.

Theo has been in a fog since his son died from the flu many years ago. Kee gives him the hope he needs. Once he sees that Kee is pregnant, he fights to make sure that Kee gets to where she has to go. He becomes a man with a purpose and is willing to risk everything to make sure Kee succeeds.

The most moving scene in the movie is after Kee has given birth, people who claimed they were going to help her kidnap her and Theo goes after them to save her. There is a battle going on between the army and the terrorists as Theo makes his way to Kee. When he finally gets Kee back, they make their way out to safety. The baby starts crying and all around them look in awe. The soldiers who hear the baby cry, stop firing and give the cease fire command. They all watch as Theo, Kee and the baby make their way past them. When they are safe, the battle begins again.

Clive Owen does an amazing job, as per usual (see my review of Inside Man). He proves again that he (along with Christen Bale and Edward Norton) is one of the top three actors working today. He is able to play a hopeless man who finds hope through Kee. He is an amazing actor who never disappoints.

Even with everything I had heard about this movie, I still had no idea what to expect. I was surprised; it had a powerful story and plenty of action to keep from getting boring and “talky.” It is able to deliver an interesting story and not add in enough excitement to keep the viewer riveted.

Nothing like being surprised by a movie to make you truly enjoy it. There are no expectations so you cannot be disappointed. These movies are the ones that can be watched on a whim or one that even with all the talk still remains a mystery to you. It is these movies always seem to be worth watching just to make your own opinion.

8 out of 10
Rated R
1 hr 50 min