Children of Men

Last night I took advantage of one of the local screenings for Children of Men, an Alfonso Cuarón film with some great actors including Clive Owen, Julianne Moore and Michael Caine. I saw the trailer a couple months ago on Apple.com, and it piqued me enough to try and see it. At the moment it's not out in the US, but the Academy is running screenings for its members.

I'll leave the summary of the film to IMDB:

In 2027, as humankind faces the likelihood of its own extinction, a disillusioned government agent agrees to help transport and protect a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea where her child's birth may help scientists to save the future of mankind.

The film as a whole is breathtaking, and grabs you from the initial scenes of Theo (Clive Owen) grabbing a coffee at a local shop to the climax of the film in the refugee camp. The film progresses smoothly from start to finish, with a number of amazing battle sequences and emotionally crippling moments that you feel. The colors and environments within the film truly draw you into their world, one of hopelessness and weakness. Every part of the film felt real to the characters within it, and you can see their hopelessness and desperation. I cannot give higher marks for this film.. It's one of the best of this year.

The guys and gals over at DNeg and Framestore have done some great vfx work within the film. Most the obvious effects work were animated billboards and newspapers, but there several scenes of blood, debris and explosions that were added in post that were noticeable. Despite this, it does not detract from the film, and I urge you to see it when it comes stateside! You can read more User Reviews at IMDB. Warning, they may contain spoilers! I find it's better to go into a film no knowing anything.