(MOVIE REVIEW) Timberlake turns out a solid performance with In Time

In the real world originality means something. It might not mean everything, but it means something. If you question that notion, I would recommend that you try to print your own money or reprint a check, try to spend it, and see how well it works out. That alone should show that being original holds value. That brings me to In Time. Is this movie going to win an Oscar? No. Is this movie going to change the world? No. But it is UNIQUE. And in a world of reprinted money, this is a dollar that you can exchange for four quarters any day of the week.

Plot: In a future dystopian society, people no longer die of old age. At least not in the way that we do now. The aging gene has been isolated and people stop physically aging at 25, yet after their 25th birthday, all forms are currency are exchanged in the form of "time". Coffee costs minutes, rent is worth hours, and if your counter runs out, you die. When Will Salas, (Timberlake) helps a stranger out of a sticky situation, he is gifted one hundred years. Unfortunately, that puts a giant target on his back from thugs and the Time Keepers/Police (as they assume he stole this time). When he suffers a loss, and blames ”the system” for that loss, he takes it upon himself to bring down the system one "minute" at a time.

Worth the admission? Yes! I loved it. Some people are giving it poor reviews, and I realize the message might be a little "heavy handed", but this movie gets a LOT of good points in its favor (in my book) because it is different. It's not some cookie cutter movie that you can easily fit into a specific mold/box. It's unique. Original. That, in and of itself, makes this movie worth the time and money to see it. All in all, I would recommend that you check this movie out.

Note: Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men/Angel) plays a 100+ character, trapped in the body of a 25 year old, and does so effortlessly. His eyes, mannerisms, and tone reflect that of someone whose age far exceeds their youthful exterior would let on. He turns in a great performance and I hope that he finally gets the recognition that he deserves as an actor.

If you, like me, loved the fact that they take old cars and retrofit them with new aged gadgetry (as symbolism of old things looking very new...like some of the people) then let me know.