May not be what you're looking for - heads up

Rating: 4/10 (17 June 2007)

When I first heard about Children of Men's plot I got totally hooked. The idea of a world where humans can't have babies anymore is fascinating and could lead to great speculations/explanations. Certainly a concept for a fantastic science fiction story.
Well, that's not what it is.
This movie could be described simply as a big runaway. After a few short introductory minutes some characters get together and begin a runaway (from a few parties and groups)that will be the essence of the movie.
So there's no speculation about what's happening with humanity? The answer is no. Expect no "why"s at all. Also do not expect to have to think anytime during or after the movie.
Children of Man's story ignores so much the fertility issue that it could be easily transplanted to any other war-like/runaway context without major adaptations (besides the motive of the runaway, which by the say is no big deal at all).
The reason for the movie's background of a chaotic society is also left blank. All the poverty, contrasts, and the imminence of a civil war are left untouched. Some people use the word "dystopia" here, but this is way too much generosity for me. It would take a much more solid context to transform this empty background in a dystopia.
Don't misunderstand me, the movie is well done. I would dare describing it as the famous first minutes of Saving Private Ryan stretched to a full length movie, and that's a compliment.
However I felt totally cheated by this movie's marketing. By relying so much on the fertility mystery it induced people to believe it was a different movie than it really is.
If you're looking for a clever and complex sci-fi story, look somewhere else.
If you're looking for an action movie with lots of car chases, killing and explosions, then this movie is for you.