I was skeptical at first, but I must admit, it is a fun film to watch . . . and yes, the concept of time as a commodity has been the quest of many

Rating: 9/10 (26 November 2011)

Of course, everyone will no doubt think of this as a remake of Logan's run . . . but wait, hold that thought.
As a sort of side note, I personally have actually had some interaction with what might be referred to as applied nanobiology in the context of treating the pathology of aging, as an attainable medical regimen.
These concepts are no longer strictly confined to the realms of science fiction, as I can attest to such from direct personal experience. In today's world, are we anywhere even remotely within reach of the world depicted in "In Time"?. No, hardly, but that does not suggest these exact questions have in fact been discussed quite seriously, in various academic and scientific circles.
So it was with this particular background that I wanted to see this film, to get a gander on what Hollywood would do with such a concept, extruded through the lens of early 21st century technopop culture.
Some aspects of the film were just plain silly, but that can be overlooked to a certain degree. Justin Timberlake does deliver his character well enough, but for me at least, Amanda Seyfried was the real sparkle in this production.
Was it entertaining? Yes indeed, I'll probably see it again with various comrades. Does it beckon some interesting questions? Yes it does, and that may be what makes this particular production so timely (please forgive the terrible pun).
The questions that have been raised in previous eras, encompassing the entire overarching arena of ethics in a biotech enhanced, genetically contrived reality preserved for the privileged few, the agony of overpopulation vs quality of life, "genetic capitalism" and so on, have been discussed many times, by very serious people.
But now, it is within some potential future timeline that the tools for crafting such a genotopia for privileged elite is actually being considered not as fiction, but rather as the next level of priceless possession, an outcome of artificially induced evolution as an acceptable "norm" in the eyes of some. I should know, having personally seen bits and pieces of this puzzle already being assembled.
If nothing else, if this entertainment platform inspires further thought into this realm, perhaps that is the real value of this film.
Even if all the potential viewer is looking for is an entertaining bit of fantasy filmcraft, I don't think many will be disappointed. As I said, I was initially more than a bit skeptical at first, this could have been much worse . . . but I will confess (perhaps it's a bit of a guilty pleasure), it was quite fun to watch.