I didn't really know much about this movie going into it. I don't think I had ever seen a preview for it (though Joel claims we did). I knew it was an alternate future type story, with sci-fi and fantasy elements. It was kind of nice going in with no preconceptions about what the story would be.
This story follows Cassius Green, a young black man struggling to survive in a tough economy. The alternative in this society is to enter a "Worry Free" facility, which is essentially a prison in which you get a place to sleep and three meals a day in exchange for labor and signing a life time contract. But you don't have to worry about paying your bills anymore! Green however, gets a job at a telemarketing company, and skyrockets to the top using his "white voice" and superior sales skills. Once among the elite, he discovers a darker side to what is going on, and must decide if the money is enough to keep him quiet.
This is...shall we say...an interesting movie. There were times that it got a bit slow for me, and I was ready for it to get to the point and be done. That said, the points made and the themes explored were timely, relevant, and important. While the story went to extremes to make a point, it really makes you think about how our society is structured, the way capitalism exploits the workers, and if there is a better way to do society.
If you like oddball movies with fantastical elements this one will be right up your alley. If you prefer more traditional stories and movies, this one might not be right for you.