[Demdike@Cult Labs]

In Time (2011)

A truly original sci-fi tale reminiscent of Philip K Dick where time is the ultimate commodity. Well, original if you haven't seen Logan's Run.

Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried star as polar opposites in a near-future world in which time, rather than money, has become the worlds currency. With the ageing gene switched off, people stop ageing at 25 years old, but there is a catch - they are genetically engineered to live for only one more year beyond 25 unless they can afford to pay to stay alive for longer. The wealthy and corrupt can buy decades at a time, the poor must beg, borrow or steal just to acquire enough hours to make it through the day.

Director Andrew Niccol has previous when it comes to quality science fiction with 97's excellent Gattaca, and In Time is perhaps just as good with almost flawless direction. Justin Timberlake proves what a good actor he's become and Amanda Seyfreid is always worth a watch in my opinion.

The film is fast paced and thrilling with some fine action set pieces playing out against a backdrop of Downtown LA as well as some edge of the seat moments as character's time (Seen as a sort of metre on their fore arm) runs out. Cillian Murphy is a worthy adversary as a piercing eyed Timekeeper hellbent on tracking Timberlake down. Parts of the film remind of a near future Bond epic whilst others are very much in the realms of sci-fi.

Thought provoking and action packed, with a vibrant score from Craig Armstrong, In Time is a cracking bit of sci-fi which i really enjoyed again.

Recommended.