Well made but rather pointless

Rating: 6/10 (26 October 2006)

I must admit to being really surprised by the the number of people who seem to think this is a fabulous movie.
How much doom and gloom do you really want to sit through? The action sequences were brilliantly handled and were thoroughly convincing. In contrast to the James Bond style of action which is entertaining but never engaging this film certainly makes you feel the brutality of violence even when delivered by guns rather than fists.
But all through the film I was constantly hitting the brick wall of "What is the point?" "Why am I sitting here?" I have never found Clive Owen to be particularly watchable. He always reminds me of Clint Walker. Competent but rather wooden. He possesses no particular cinematic appeal.
I am prepared to admit that I may well be in a minority by being someone who was not particularly entertained or enthralled with this picture. Especially since I felt exactly the same about Cuaron's other well known film Y tu mama tambien which I thought was quite a yawn.
No doubt the director is a skilled filmmaker but honestly if you are looking for a film to take your girlfriend to on Saturday night this is not one I'd recommend. The world it depicts is not a pleasant one and after you've endured all the depression it can deliver it simply leaves you with a shudder.