About Time

Director: Richard Curtis

Stars: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy

Rated: M

We all have those moments in life where we think: Why did I say that? Why did I do that? I am so embarrassing. I am never going out in public again….anyone? …Maybe it’s just me.

Personally, being given the gift of time travel would be a massive help to fix some of my own social blunders, and for Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), that’s exactly what happens.

After turning 21, Tim’s dad (Bill Nighy) lets him in on the family secret that he and the rest of the men in his family can travel in time. But can the power of time travel really change what happens in your life? Tim decides a good place to start would be to see if it helps him get a girlfriend.

I think I may have mentioned it before that I’m not the type of chick who likes to watch a romantic comedy, with the exception of the Notting Hill and Love Actually. What seems to be transpiring, however, is not a love for romantic movies, but in fact a love for the brilliant and touching writing style of Richard Curtis.

Written and directed by Richard Curtis, About Time is a beautiful blend of some good old fashion “courting” rituals and mishaps, with a message on the importance of living each day to its full potential and seeing the beauty we often miss as we rush past with our lattes on the way to another meeting or picking up the kids, but all without the preachy side that often comes with these types of films.

Don’t get me wrong About Time has its flaws. For starters, some of the dating scenarios have been done and dusted, a million times over, for example the dreaded meeting the parents and talking about sex with their daughter, but for some reason theses scenes don’t diminish the sweetness of this loved up rom com.

It’s also a little too long, probably symptomatic of having the writer as the director. You feel as if Curtis was just too in love with his own work that, sending some scenes to the cutting room floor, was akin to a really bad breakup. The lull in the middle of the film leaves you wondering as to where the film is going and how it could possibly end.

Rachel McAdams is as expected in a rom-com. There’s no deviation here from the same character she’s done again and again, although the chemistry between her and Domhnall Gleeson is adorable, and can be attributed to you watching past the middle lull right to the end.

As usual, Bill Nighy puts in a great performance. He is a brilliant mix of English humour, charm and poignancy as the dad trying to steer his son into love and family, with his new powers, rather than money and fame.

At its heart though, About Time it is a sweet and funny, sometimes a little too mushy, but overall a touching film about the importance of love and family. Expect the tears to flow you won’t be able to avoid it.

#movie #moviereview #filmreview #film #abouttime #rachelmcadams #billnighy #domhnallgleeson

– Suzanna Parisi

Originally published in DB Magazine issue number unknown and in print only (street mag no longer exists - link no longer available)