Not bad but I don't see what all the fuss is about

Rating: 7/10 (21 March 2008)

The year is 2027 and there hasn't been a child born in 18 years. Society is crumbling and Clive Owen's character Theo is content to let it crumble around him. That is, until the discovery of a pregnant woman thrusts him into the role of reluctant hero as he strives to deliver her safely into the sanctuary of the Human Project.
One of the strengths of the film is the direction by Alfonso Cuarón. The camera-work and cinematography combine to produce a gritty, realistic world not far from our own. While this is admirable I would have been more impressed if the film's futuristic world was more distinct, as in a film like "Blade Runner". Also, while I can respect the craft behind the film's visuals, the bleak look doesn't really appeal to my tastes.
The acting is uniformly fine but unremarkable. The area that I think could use improvement is the script. I can only imagine why it took five screenwriters to bring this story to the screen. The fact that they were nominated for an Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay) baffles me. The action-oriented parts of the film are satisfying but the background is merely hinted at. The dystopian elements aren't as clearly defined as in "V for Vendetta", let alone great literary works like "1984" & "Brave New World". Perhaps the novel has more depth but this adaptation is little more than a shallow action flick.
I recommend the film; just don't expect something that's in the same league as other dystopian films like "A Clockwork Orange", "V for Vendetta" and "Blade Runner".