Children Of Men

What was probably a fascinating plot in novel form becomes a
superficial excuse for a loooooooong chase scene masquerading as a
movie. Don't get me wrong: The set pieces are impressive, the peril
feels real, and the creation of a dystopic future while not quite at
the level of a Blade Runner, certainly fulfills the majority of the
genre's requirements. It's just that one doesn't really care about
the characters (save perhaps for Michael Caine's aging activist) or
perhaps even the plight of humanity enough for the jeopardy's end to
really pay off -- especially with the mighty wimpy ending (did they
run out of $$$?).

Worth watching if you like science fiction or near future nightmares
(and, really, who DOESN'T?) but unfortunately not the classic it
might have been.

The Spy Who Loved Me

It has been a long time (how long?) since I last watched this movie.
I was taken aback by just how good it was, with all the intrigue
throughout Egypt, the cat-and-mouse choreography, and other classic
Bond twists. And then I remembered just why it was such a mediocre
Bond film after all -- as soon as we got to the villain's lair, and
his plot for destruction. Yes, the later Bond film -- For Your Eyes
Only -- would be a rehabilitation of sorts -- but the first half of
The Spy Who Loved Me could have made for a far greater
rehabilitation, if someone had curtailed the excesses of the second half.