In Time

Life should be lived, not survived. A classic, Bonnie and Clyde-style Hollywood tale weighed down by deep thoughts about how today’s world works. All in all, this is a bit of a weak picture for Niccol, but for most of the competition, this is way above average. An excellent cast does wonders. Even dumb Alex Pettyfer plays devilishly well (as a real swine) and Justin Timberlake finally abandons his image of pop singer to become a regular actor. And Olivia Wilde wins this years award for sexiest fifty-year-old. A mythical poke in the ribs for politicians and “self-declared defenders" of our world. I don’t have time. (17/11/2011)

Disguised moralizing boredom that gets 2.5 stars. The idea is good, but poorly thought out, the central couple is rather poor, and the plot is not very good. Thank God for the excellent Cillian Murphy, at least. It's far from as good Niccolo's other films, and as far as recent sci-fi spectacles go, the likes of The Adjustment Bureau is much better. (13/11/2012)

The Bonnie and Clyde of the digital age yearned for analog, resulting in a sympathetically understated film set in the future. In it, a single serious nag at the laws of Niccol's world immediately takes away from the positives but is then ultimately saved by the great Timberlake and even better Murphy. (14/01/2012)

The heist of the century, which, if we combined the teams of Ocean’s Eleven and Mission Impossible, would be enough for two films, shouldn’t last two minutes in a dystopian sci-fi satire. A naive far left film with which I cannot and I will not agree ideologically. Unfortunately, other than the idea, In Time doesn’t offer anything else (like breathtaking action, some tension, etc.), it’s just well made. But that core premise is great, it’s a pity that Niccol wasted it in such a dumb film. 60 % (04/11/2011)

I don't want to live in this world. But I would look at it, maybe every day. The brilliantly selected cast of young Hollywood up-and-comers gives you a taste of a story about justice, love, and adventure, but it is precisely the simple yet perfectly powerful idea of an alternative present that creates such a versatile spectacle out of In Time. And yet, because the idea itself is not enough, there is nothing left but to salute Andrew Niccol for the relentless pacing. With the support of Craig Armstrong's soundtrack, it is easy in the decisive moments to forget to breathe. (04/11/2011)