The Time Traveler's Wife: Chick Flick with Some Heart

I fought it, I really did.  I tried as hard as I could to avoid this movie.  I had heard that The Time Traveler's Wife stunk.  But as we so often have to, I caved in and watched it with my wife.

Is this movie going to win an Oscar?  We already know the answer to that, but the film isn't half bad, and it has a nice little story to boot.

The Time Traveler's Wife is a film about a man (Henry) with a genetic mutation.  This mutation allows, or rather forces him, to travel through time.  Henry can't really control the ability, but he always seems to travel back to the same places and points in time.  On top of not being able to control the ability, Henry can't bring any of his clothes with him...you get the picture.  For all you ladies out there, yes we know Eric Bana is hot.

Henry's love interest is played by the incomparable Rachel McAdams.  As usual McAdams does a great job, in fact, the whole ensemble cast is believable and heart felt.

At it's core, The Time Traveler's Wife is a chick flick/romantic drama.  Layered on that it is a science fiction film.  If you stop and try to think about what is going on, you'll probably give yourself a headache, or you'll probably realize the film has some major plot holes in how it deals with the overlapping time periods and parallel universes.

What I mean by that is this, Henry goes back in time and prepares his future wife for their, what appears to be, inevitable meeting.  But, if Henry hadn't done this, would they have even met, or fell in love?  The movie takes the position that regardless of what you do, you can't change how things are supposed to play out, destiny anyone?  The movie often contradicts itself by having the characters talk about making their own decisions.  Either the film is contradicting itself, or the characters want to believe this is the case.  If you get caught up in the 'how' of the film, you will definitely miss out on the 'why.'  The Time Traveler's Wife essentially conveys the message that love conquers all, and somehow finds a way.  The film really tugs at your heart strings, while entertaining, and telling a pretty good story.  At times some parts seem shallow, but if you really look close you can see some significant foreshadowing and other advanced story telling techniques.  I am sure the novel does a great job of expanding on these characters.

As an aside, I feel it is my obligation to mention that some people might be able to construe some sort of pedo-vibe in the film.  Henry first meets his future wife when she is in elementary school, and as I mentioned earlier, he is naked during the encounter.  Maybe this is why so many people didn't like the movie?  Or maybe they just didn't get it.  Either way, what is probably a harmless story device could be deemed inappropriate, given how Henry essentially grooms this pre-pubescent girl to be his wife.  I will leave it at that, let me know what you thought about that part.

As it is, the movie does a great job of showing how such an awesome power, can actually be a devastating burden.  Don't worry about the details, just sit back and try to enjoy it.  If you have a heart, I bet you will.

The Verdict: rent it, or if you are a huge RayMac (yeah that's what I call Rachel McAdams) fan, pick this up when it becomes more affordable.

Pass the popcorn and stay tuned for my next movie review, likely, A Serious Man.