Now Playing

Here's a look at some movies now in theaters.

In Time

Starring: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, and Cillian Murphy

Synopsis: Justin Timberlake is a talented performer and comedian, but most probably don’t think of him as an action star. Director Andrew Niccol predicted that after seeing “In Time,” which opened Friday, that perception would change. It was hard to get a read on “In Time” prior to its release. Niccol has a history of delivering off-beat films that present an interesting view of the future. Among his credits are “Gattaca,” “S1m0ne,” and “Lord of War.” With “In Time,” he again offers an interesting human story set against a futuristic backdrop. Though it was hard to figure how the film might work, the finished product is a little better than you’d expect. The film is set in the future where the currency isn’t money or gold, but time. Humans have been genetically engineered to stop aging at 25. Once they hit 25-years-old, they have to buy more time. When the time clock on their arm runs out, so does their life. In addition to the new economic model, the class system in the future has been greatly exaggerated. While the wealthy have earned enough currency to become practically immortal, the lower class literally live day-to-day. Like some of his previous films, Niccol does a nice job of creating an interesting alternative world to explore the nature of humanity and society. It’s easy to look at this film as somewhat of a metaphor for the imbalance and corruption that exists in our current financial system. There are also elements of this film that play like an examination of the widening disparity in class in America in 2011. But the film doesn’t really depict modern America or, perhaps, even America at all. It is set in a future world and its aims seem to be to capture some social commentary and to provide an engrossing human drama. There are other elements at play in the film as well. The action of the story sets Will and Sylvia up as a futuristic Bonnie and Clyde, and Niccol, who also wrote the screenplay, seems to have fun with that dynamic as well. The action of the film seems well paced and there is enough in the story and the multiple subplots to be engrossing. Timberlake, who’s regarded more as a comedic performer, does a nice job in a more serious part. He is a versatile performer. He might not ever really be a great action star, but he showcases some range and was believable in the role of Will. Seyfried is passable opposite him, though the film likely would have benefited from a more dynamic performance/performer in the role. Murphy, on the other hand, does a nice job as the dramatic foil. “In Time” was a tough film to figure out based on the plot description, trailer, and marketing material. In watching the film, it’s a tough movie to figure out as well. There are elements that work well, and the overall product was better than I expected in some ways, but it isn’t exceptional. There isn’t a lot to grab onto with this production, which might be it’s biggest failing. The film is watchable, the story is fascinating, the performances are decent, and it’s an interesting commentary on our current economic climate. But it isn’t particularly memorable or exceptional. It’s an average film in a year of average (or below average) releases. That might be the story of 2011 at the Box Office.

Rating: PG-13 for violence, some sexuality and partial nudity, and strong language.

Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Sarah's Key

Starring: Kristen Scott Thomas, Aidan Quinn, and Mélusine Mayance

Synopsis: This is a beautiful film, based on the novel from Tatiana De Rosnay, that tells the story of the persecution of Jews in France, by French officials, at the outset of World War II. The film is split between the present (2009) and the past (beginning in 1942), as a journalist (Scott Thomas) begins exploring her husband's family's connection to a Jewish family that used to occupy the apartment she just inherited. It's a heart-breaking story that illuminates a part of history that many would like to forget. It is so easy — when considering the evils committed against Jews and others during WWII — to think only of the Germans, but this film explores the role that hate and fear played in the response of the French as they tried to prevent a Nazi invasion. The performances are wonderful, with Scott Thomas turning in great work in the modern story and Mayance doing an excellent job as the young Sarah — tormented by Nazis and guilt over her failed efforts to save her brother. It is a hard movie to sit through at times because of the emotional resonance of the narrative, but it is beautifully told. (The film re-opens Friday at The Palm. If you haven't seen it, you should).

Rating: PG-13 for thematic material including disturbing situations involving the Holocaust.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Nov. 4 — "A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas," "The Tower Heist"

Nov. 11 — "Imortals," "J. Edgar," "Jack and Jill"

Nov. 18 — "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1," "Happy Feet 2," "The Descendants"

Nov. 23 — "The Muppet Movie," "The Artist," "Hugo," "A Dangerous Method," "Arthur Christmas"