About Time - A Movie Review

You’re saying if I close my eyes, and think real hard, I can time travel?

About Time traveled into theaters in 2013. Tim’s father lets his son in on a family secret. They have the ability to time travel. Using this skill to his advantage, Tim travels back to fix moments in his life. Will he go too far in making his life perfect?

Films are always coming up with new time travel ideas. Time Travel is one of my favorite subjects. The ability to time travel is a little too easy, but that’s not what the film is about. While time travel is the basis, About Time is all about love.

Sometimes I couldn’t tell if he was doing it on purpose or if Tim was a very awkward person. He does have some growing up to do. Taking advantage of this ability helps Tim learn what life is all about. Domhnall Gleeson was witty and talented in the role, finding his character's growth.

About Time is a character film. In my opinion, supporting characters were not used to their fullest potential. Rachel McAdams is no stranger to time travel films. While I like McAdams as an actress, her character fell flat to me. Tim falls in love with her but I never got a sense of her personality.

That’s because the film isn't about Tim’s love story with Mary. Tim’s family is most important to him. Love for family is given the most beautiful definition in About Time. I adored all the moments between the family. It should have touched on the moral earlier in the film instead of focusing on Tim's pining for Mary’s love.

Tim’s relationship with his father (Bill Nighy) was so tender. It felt real. Every time they interacted, either talking or playing a game of ping pong, bestowed a heartwarming relationship.

We get to know the characters. More credits include Lydia Wilson, Lindsay Duncan, Richard Cordery, Joshua McGuire, and the final film appearance of Richard Griffiths. There’s also an appearance by Margot Robbie. Why wasn’t her character involved with the story more?

Without any exposition, About Time gets right into everything. The story was tough to follow, especially when you’re questioning if traveling back to random times will mess up the future. What time travel film isn’t confusing?

Richard Curtis said it right. About Time is more a film about love and not time travel. He worked closely on interactions among the cast. Editing was solid. The instant Tim messed something up, he’d redo it. I know some audiences don’t like repetitive films, but to me, it’s funny to see how they’d replay the scene.

Comedy is played off well. It’s all about how you time it. Surprisingly, About Time is a bittersweet film. This film is relatable to families, especially when illness has been involved.

The film lost its charm throughout the middle portion. We already get that Tim takes advantage of time travel. He goes back to certain moments one too many times.

If only we could repeat our best days. What would you do if you could time travel to the past? There are several moments from the past I would like to go back and change, but think about what it could do to your future. Our pasts are an impactful part of our lives. Life is a mixed bag no matter who you are.

For Thanksgiving this year, this film made me appreciate my family. Never forget to live in the moment and be happy with what you have. Give About Time a watch. It’s a heartwarming film.