Film Review: About Time
Rachel McAdams stars in Richard Curtis' latest romantic comedy, now with added time travel.
We know how life can get awkward. We’ve said the wrong thing, at the wrong time. We’ve acted less than cool, calm and collected. And ultimately, we’ve made fools of ourselves. What we don’t have is the power to travel back in time, and change our course of actions – unlike, Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), protagonist of Richard Curtis’ newest film, About Time.
We are introduced to Tim, who describes himself as “too tall, too skinny and too orange”, and his tea drinking family – an absent minded uncle, a quirky mother, witty father and a childlike, free spirited sister. Basically, Tim and his family provide all the essential requirements to create a perfect eccentric family. However, what differs from his family to another eccentric British tea loving family, is the fact that their male lineage, all inherit the ability to time travel.
His father (Bill Nighy), breaks this news to him after he turns 21, alongside some basic time travelling ground rules. They can only travel backwards, and not to the future. More specifically, they can only travel to certain events and times during their own lives, making them useless and unable to change history. ‘The butterfly effect’ is lightly dropped within conversation, but is quickly glazed over and all we are left with is more questions, and the knowledge that we don’t need to worry much about it.
So naturally, Tim declares he will use his new found ability for the important things in life – to get a girlfriend. After an embarrassing and fumbling start to achieve this, in walks Mary (Rachel McAdams), a sweet and insecure American that juxtaposes Tim’s character in all the right and charming ways, which reiterates the film’s overall point, that they were just meant to be. However, whilst Tim’s time travelling abilities, at times, proves hindering to their relationship, his mission to get the girl is well on the way.
The film pulls through and is executed through the endearing and charming performances from the cast. Domhnall Gleeson proves to be the perfect lovable protagonist in this rom-com, with his strength ultimately lying in his ability to portray his awkwardness as an adorable quality. Rachel McAdams, whilst in an all too familiar role (The Notebook, The Time Traveller’s Wife & The Vow), portrays the sweet, insecure and dorky love interest (again), and does it well (again). Yet, for me, Bill Nighy is the film’s greatest asset but his minimal screen time was a complete bummer.
However, the film was far from perfect. At times, the film lacked speed and cohesion. I think, the main problem I had with this film was that the narrative included numerous plot holes, almost as if they lacked the effort and just couldn’t be bothered to think it out slightly further. Many things were glazed over, contradicting, and left unexplained or unresolved.
With that being said, whilst this film, is neither too memorable nor spectacular, it has its entertaining moments. Certain scenes will definitely leave a warm sentimental feeling inside your stomach, reminding you to make the most of each day, and to appreciate the little, ordinary and mundane things. Ultimately, as long as you are willing to forgive the flaws and familiarity, or if you’re a massive rom-com / Rachel McAdams fan, About Time will provide some laughter and be an enjoyable watch.
About Time is playing in cinemas nationwide.
ABOUT TIME
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Written by: Richard Curtis
Cast: Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Domhnall Gleeson
Released by: Universal Pictures