over-hyped?

Rating: 6/10 (20 April 2007)

If I had to sum up Children of Men in one word, it would be... flat. I liked an awful lot of things in this movie. Post-apocalyptic is probably my favourite genre. Michael Caine is a revelation, the quintessential British hero, a podgy guy in an armchair wearing a cardigan. I shed tears when Theo escorts Kee and her baby down the stairs in a war zone, the baby's cries causing a lull in the fighting. Julianne Moore and Clive Owen excel in their roles. The production design is spot on, based on the theme "Only Britain could be this crap." The Greenpeace, Guantanomo, Tate Modern satirical moments were slightly annoying but not intrusive. So why did I not get more from this film? I can only guess that it failed to live up to my expectations. I had heard so much about this film, the trailer looked fantastic, but Theo's journey was less than compelling. Perhaps it was too much exposition. Michael Caine's rendering of the story of Theo's son's demise felt a bit clumsy. The turning point for Theo is when Kee tells him she believes he is the only one she should trust, but this key moment is pitched low-key. It is a good film, but it could have been great. In sum, a bit of a missed opportunity.