28 Days Later without the zombies

Rating: 9/10 (12 June 2011)

IMDb Top 250: 221
That is what comes to mind when I watched this movie, and that's a very good thing. Alfonso Cuaron has created a very believable future in this original and unique movie.
From the beginning, this is a film like few others. It successfully creates a weighty atmosphere, where everything is necessary. The people in the coffee shop aren't extras in Theo's way, they're concerned civilians. Ads aren't there to create an urban feel, they let you know about the situation. And the gunfights and explosions make you feel right in the scene, something few other films can accomplish.
In an unsettling way, this vision of the future is nervously close. Small technological advancements have occurred, but this isn't the Jetsons. It seems like this scenario could happen next year, which puts the thought in your mind, "Could something like this happen?" As said before, the plot is original. No babies, no kids, no future. But there is one, and it's up to Theo to bring her to safety, with obstacles on the way. With the adventure-for-safety plot, the scary future Britian, and a very realistic shooting style, you can see the similarities with 28 Days Later.
Two issues with the plot: one, I'm not sure if I missed it (the talking is awfully quiet) but I don't quite know what the 'Fish' organization is fighting for. Until we learn about what they did to a major character, there's no reason to think they deserve to be called terrorists. Second, and this is only my opinion, but I thought the film ended too soon, without a chance to see what the future brings. Some might like that, I found it a little cheap. How can one birth change fertility worldwide? I can see Alfonso didn't want to delve into the science of it all, but maybe some explanation would make a very good plot great.
Clive Owen does a great job, maybe his best, as the chauffeur-for-hire to protector of the future hero type. He was well casted as the modern, rough around the edges guy trying to get by.
The direction here is phenomenal. The camera shots successfully make you feel the tension and danger of apocalyptic Britian. The entire scene from the Russian shelter to the dock was amazing, as well as the car ambush.
Overall, Children of Men succeeds in telling its story of hope, while making you think of our own fragile future. With likable characters, thrilling moments and amazing realism, Children of Men is one of the best movies of the new millennium. 9.0/10