The idea of time being the most valuable commodity available to mankind is one that was explored recently (albeit in little depth) in the Wachowski's latest flop, Jupiter Ascending. There, an elite group of extraterrestrials harvested planets for the energy derived from the flesh of the people who inhabit them. With In Time the details have changed although the basic premise remains - rich and powerful people horde all the time for themselves, leaving the average Joe to eke out a pathetic existence once their alloted 25 years has elapsed and the implanted countdown to death begins. Here, time zones take on a different meaning, reflecting the stratification of society. In Time isn't without its fun moments and Justin Timberlake is suprisingly good in the lead role, but the handling of the basic concept and social commentary is heavy-handed at best, while a couple of significant plot holes threaten to derail it towards the climax.
