The Time Traveler's Wife Directed by: Robert Schwentke Cast: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston, Stephen Tobolowsky Running Time: 1 hr 48 mins Rating: PG-13 Release Date: August 14, 2009
Plot: Henry (Bana) is a Chicago librarian and a genetic anomaly that causes him to involuntarily time travel. He manages to fall in love with Clare (McAdams) through a complicated series of events that only proves more difficult once the two are together.
Who’s It For? It's kind of got a little of everything for a date movie. Guys get a new twist on time travel. Women get a romance. Kids might get bored.
Expectations: Everyone seems to love the book. I haven't read it, but I'm a fan of Bana and I used to be a fan of McAdams who seems to have been in a slump of forgettable roles lately with The Lucky Ones and The Family Stone.
SCORECARD (0-10)
Actors:
Eric Bana as Henry DeTamble: This is secretly turning into the summer of Bana. Star Trek, Funny People and now this, and there's not a dud in the group. Sure, Henry has some bad hair in his early 20s, but Bana brings just the right amount of humor to this dramatic role. This role is a mind bender when you think of all the layers, though there is something very calming about going on this journey with Bana. Score: 7
Rachel McAdams as Clare Abshire: Fetching. The look in Clare's eyes when we first meet her is absolutely overwhelming. From that moment on, we know she's met the love of her life, and we're completely sold. If it's the secret summer of Bana, this could be the year of McAdams. While there wasn't much talk of State of Play she's definitely nailed the romance here, plus she'll be in Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. later this year. Score: 8
Ron Livingston as Gomez: Livingston really wasn't given anything to do, but it was good to see him again. He's the sidekick who is let into the inner circle but Gomez is only around for a few moments. We don't really get his back story, or the role he plays within the family. Score: 6
Talking: They're keeping the time travel simple in explanation. The focus here is on the romance, not the gene. Sure that means we barely seem to get a reaction from Dr. David Kendrick (Tobolowsky) when he's brought into the mix, but again, if you're looking for sci-fi, you have to remember this is a relationship film first and foremost. Score: 7
Sights: The disappearing when time traveling is a nice touch. It's just some basic special effects, but it works. Plus there is a lot of butts. Bana has to travel naked, and thankfully it doesn't come off like when he was the Hulk. And it seems like Bana must have said, "Look, if audiences have to see my arse doznes of times, they should get at least one look at McAdams." Thanks for that. And thanks for Chicago, with the Army Navy Store, Lincoln Park Zoo and Gomez coming from a Pavement concert. Score: 7
Sounds: Henry doesn't carry a tune, but his mom does and it becomes a sweet connection for the family. The score reminded me of a waltz, it was nice, but nothing that I need to hear again. Do you know what doesn't work? "Love Will Tear Us Apart," a cover by The Joy Division. It's a song I love, but it sounds incredibly out of place. Score: 5
PLOT SPOILERS
Best Scene: Wedding day. Henry must try to keep his nerves steady and his body around for the wedding. Clare starts to realize the difficulty of marrying a time traveler, but luckily we get some good humor as well.
Ending: I didn't like the quick ending. Yeah, it felt quick. I was ready to cry, and had already teared up a couple times but there wasn't the impact I expected in the end. Also, why don't they try and fight the tragic event a little more?
Questions: I've talked to a couple of people, and the book's ending seems much better. Surprised they didn't go that route. Also, we get the answer of why Clare loves Henry, she almost doesn't have a choice, but what about Henry loving Clare. It seems there is a certain amount of manipulation there when you think about it.
Rewatchability: Yes, but at the same time I am wondering if I study the film I will be impressed with all the time travel choices and how they fit together or if I will start to notice more flaws. I didn't see it with the wife, so renting seems like the right choice.
OVERALL
There will be tons of head scratching moments where you are trying to put the pieces together. The important thing about The Time Traveler's Wife is not the traveling, it's the connection to Henry and Clare. I got goosebumps from their love and the loss. I just wish the ending could have had more of an impact on me, and every moment with a kid actor is a little awkward in this film. Plus, how does Henry not try and manipulate time more? Though, I do have to say, just adding something to the standard movie device of time travel is something The Time Traveler's Wife can be proud of.
There's an odd observation here with this film. The stereotype is that women always try to make their man into the perfect guy. Clare is convinced Henry's perfect because she's met the future him. Tough to live up to, but the two make it work. It's a really solid date movie that should give everyone a little something of what they are looking for.
Final Score: 7/10