An okay but slightly lazy sci-fi actioner, no more

Rating: 6/10 (8 October 2006)

CHILDREN OF MEN is a good Saturday night picture, but it's not the masterpiece many are claiming. The big reason is that it sets up a credible future dystopia and then does nothing more than set a chase in it. Oh, they may stop now and then for a chat, but it feels like window dressing: this is about riots and explosions and dodging bullets. It feels almost like a dry run for Owen's next movie, SHOOT 'EM UP, only taking itself more seriously.
It starts off well. Even Owen, probably the worst British leading man alive today for once fits his role as a boring, unmotivated drone. For two-thirds you can even mistake it for acting. The trouble is that just like the film his performance goes nowhere. He isn't changed by his journey, he stays just as boring as he starts the film. The supporting cast do better - Peter Mullan, Eijofor and the girl all outshine the leads. The trouble is you come away feeling like you've watched a film that wants to be V FOR VENDETTA but is even less daring or edgy. This is really only a classic if you mistake set design for ideas. But it is a pretty good chase movie and the big army camp chase is almost worth the price of the ticket.