A Chase Movie ...

Rating: Null/10 (10 January 2007)

This was a good, fast-paced "on-the-run"-type movie. If you're looking for strong sci-fi cinema aspects like special effects, exotic sceneries, etc., you won't really get it here - but that's OK as long as you know that up front.
The movie: we are basically given a small group of people on the run. They are trying to get to a certain destination for a particular reason. - and that is the core of the movie.
If that sounds a bit dry, the movie does have its perks. First, the characters are ethnically diverse and well acted. It's interesting to see such ethnic diversity on screen at once - it's kind of unusual given movies up to this point. As far as performances, Clive Owen turns in his usual intense performance and is extremely watchable. The other central characters seem to fade in the background when compared to Owen. Still, they do a pretty good job.
Action? This movie is all about action - the main group is always on the move and the enemy and explosions aren't far behind. There's not a whole lot of intelligence behind all the chasing and running, but the sequences are well-paced, energetic, and often punch out a few good surprises.
This movie felt most like a war movie that takes place in a third-world country. Most of the movie was set to hippie-acid rock music which can be a bit annoying if that style doesn't appeal to you. Also, unless you knew the premise, you'd never guess it was sci-fi.
If you want to see a good chase flick with a war-like setting - this movie is for you. Sci-fi fans should be aware that this is conceptual sci-fi and be ready for an action movie.