Sickly sweet and a tad emotionally manipulative, but it's still a delight to see filmmaking this sincere and free of self-awareness and cynicism. Just don't start to question the logic of the time travel.
If you wanna movie to watch with your girlfriend (or s.o.), this is a perfectly good option. Its funny and the romance, like life itself, happens so naturally it doesnt feel sappy. The real emotional moments are actually father/son related.
its quirky, funny, and a very charming movie great for any date night
It may give the appearance of a predictable romantic comedy, complete with the trappings of marriage and life, but it is truly a sweet, heart-breaking story about growing up, loss, love and connecting while you still can.
My favorite film of 2013. Films, for me, are at the best when they are sincere, tell a brilliant story and transport me to a place I'd rather be. This film fires on all cylinders, delivers time and again simple yet elegant plot devices and threw me for a loop. I'm sure most will find it overly sentimental, but it's just nice to see a nice film.
If I have a problem with About Time, it's the time travel premise. On the one hand, I'm not sure it always works within its own rules. On the other, there is, at least early on, a creep factor to a man using his powers to essentially trick a woman into falling for him. Because I don't really need a high-concept gimmick to watch a Richard Curtis romcom. As usual, his characters are well drawn and witty. The cast, excellent, with Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams having consistent chemistry, while Bill Nighy, Lindsay Duncan, Tom Hollander, and Margot Robbie dependably bring up the rear (to name but the most recognizable names). And there isn't a WHOLE LOT of time travel once the relationship gets into gear. But I can forgive the premise because the film kind of agrees with me and abandons it in favor of stronger themes - cherishing memories but living in the present, and always, accepting life for what it is rather than second-guessing everything. I don't know that the movie is entirely consistent, but it's cute, it's warm, and its not-entirely-original life lesson taught better than usual.
Pretty much exactly what you can expect from a Richard Curtis film these days. Not very deep, kind of light and breezy, with a sweet message. It's a comforting movie.
Really nice, really sweet, well-made. It sends an important message and leaves you happy and optimistic.
I loved everyone's acting, escpecially Bill's.
Also, Tim is weirdly sexy
I was pretty outraged how many times women were referred to as prostitutes, and how the romantic lead was a totally flat uncharacterized girl who loved to strip for her boyfriend..... pretty obvious a man wrote this and it's pretty painfully faulty and slanderous for that reason.
I didn't expect to like this but I really did, I think it taps into that wish that every single person has of wanting to go back in time and do things differently or make the most of times that you didn't think were important at the time but end up being the very moments you would chose to go back to if you could.
Maybe it's because I'm getting older and more mature. Or is it simply because it's a perfect movie ? I put all my money on the second guess because in the end I found it an amazing and captivating romantic comedy . Normally I hate movies containing the combination of romance and humor. Usually the humor is of a questionable level and it threatens to become a corny tearjerker with a predictable happy ending where everyone is happily married. Actually all of that is in this movie , but not on a grotesquely sentimental level as in other chick flicks . Like someone said on IMDb " A chick flick for men" .
Occasionally, I have to listen to my wife and select a movie which will lead to a cozy movie night she can enjoy. Instead of watching again at some nerve wrecking, bloody and violent SF or thriller. With much reluctance I try to look for that kind of movie. The thing that convinced me to choose for "About time" was the SF label it got . Ultimately, the SF part is essential for the whole story, but it is not the crucial element which leaves a lingering impression. It's just a great movie where you get sucked in from the beginning and you feel like you're in the center of the story. Tim has a gift that all men possess in his family . He can go back in time . Not to change (kill Hitler/shag Helen of Troy ) world history .Only situations occurring in his personal life he can change. He wants to use that gift to find the love of his life.
It has immensely funny situations and humorous conversations . I laughed at this film more than any would-be comedy that I have seen in recent months. Those funny situations that happen are so recognizable and pure. Nothing forced, no complicated puns or fetched trivialities . The conversation in the dark restaurant run by blind people . Who came up with that? Their first night and the way Tim returns again and again in time . The frustrations Tim shows while helping Mary to choose an evening dress. I understood him perfectly.Meeting Mary's parents . The one-liners that passed from time to time.The awkward friends like Jay and Rory . Uncle D who was moving in a certain way , but at the same time hilarious. Every time my wife and I laughed about it.
It's enormously romantic. God yes, you get that in a romantic comedy . But it's that romance that also occurs infinite times in real life and not the romance you read in cheap pulp magazines. Sometimes it was brought subtle. Tim could easily use his gift to have a hot night with Charlotte .Finally he says no to that thought and runs back to Mary to ask her to marry him. A symbolic way to show that Mary is his true love . The scene with the live band was also hilarious.
The film also has its emotional moments . These are the moments where the sticker " Beware of irritating objects in the eye" applies to. The relationship with his father gets gradually warmer and caring. The concerns about his sister Kit Kat . The death of his father and the special way he definitively says goodbye. Serene, catchy and stunning. The casting is perfect.
Each character feels like a real individual and fits into the complete picture . Both physically and mentally. Tim is a daydreaming , sometimes awkward but sensitive guy . Domhnall Gleeson delivers a magnificent performance . I didn't recognize him as Bill Weasley of the Potter series , and even as Clan Techie from Dredd . Rachel McAdams who plays Mary is a natural beauty and a charm throughout the film . Bill Nighy puts a rock-solid portrait of the father who struggles with his feelings towards his son. Lindsey Duncan has no big part in this movie, but each time she comes into the picture she has the look of a caring mother. Honestly , there wasn't a single character that I found weak. Finally the soundtrack is also worth a mention . Songs of The Cure , Amy Winehouse , Nick Cave and Ben Folds were a splendid contribution to the overall mood. I've always liked movies.
I watch movies because I want a relaxing moment , a moment to laugh or bite my nails cause of the tension, or nearly get a heart attack from scaring , or sympathize with certain events and sometimes cry a little bit about it . Those are the reasons to watch a movie. And that I found in this movie . My advice is to just give this one a chance and let yourself be carried away on a sentimental and funny roller-coaster ride of emotions.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 38
lachyas
Sickly sweet and a tad emotionally manipulative, but it's still a delight to see filmmaking this sincere and free of self-awareness and cynicism. Just don't start to question the logic of the time travel.Tuliodnw
I'm a sucker for this type of movies, it was funny and sincere with a stupid happy ending, It felt nice and warmDon't be hard with the time travel logic and you will enjoy it
nowhereman136
Chick flick that guys will likeIf you wanna movie to watch with your girlfriend (or s.o.), this is a perfectly good option. Its funny and the romance, like life itself, happens so naturally it doesnt feel sappy. The real emotional moments are actually father/son related.
its quirky, funny, and a very charming movie great for any date night
flaiky
You'd have to be pretty cynical not to get anything out of this film.frankqb
It may give the appearance of a predictable romantic comedy, complete with the trappings of marriage and life, but it is truly a sweet, heart-breaking story about growing up, loss, love and connecting while you still can.4 stars out of 5
CSSCHNEIDER
My favorite film of 2013. Films, for me, are at the best when they are sincere, tell a brilliant story and transport me to a place I'd rather be. This film fires on all cylinders, delivers time and again simple yet elegant plot devices and threw me for a loop. I'm sure most will find it overly sentimental, but it's just nice to see a nice film.Siskoid
If I have a problem with About Time, it's the time travel premise. On the one hand, I'm not sure it always works within its own rules. On the other, there is, at least early on, a creep factor to a man using his powers to essentially trick a woman into falling for him. Because I don't really need a high-concept gimmick to watch a Richard Curtis romcom. As usual, his characters are well drawn and witty. The cast, excellent, with Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams having consistent chemistry, while Bill Nighy, Lindsay Duncan, Tom Hollander, and Margot Robbie dependably bring up the rear (to name but the most recognizable names). And there isn't a WHOLE LOT of time travel once the relationship gets into gear. But I can forgive the premise because the film kind of agrees with me and abandons it in favor of stronger themes - cherishing memories but living in the present, and always, accepting life for what it is rather than second-guessing everything. I don't know that the movie is entirely consistent, but it's cute, it's warm, and its not-entirely-original life lesson taught better than usual.maxdbn
Amazing movie, I recommend it to anyone and it's really special. Haven't felt about a movie like this for a very long time.God
this is so cheesy don't watch it if you're lactose intolerantnymusix
Pretty much exactly what you can expect from a Richard Curtis film these days. Not very deep, kind of light and breezy, with a sweet message. It's a comforting movie.BadFluffy
Emotional but always sincere. A lovely story of characters and those little life moments that make the whole thing worth it.Morvena
Really nice, really sweet, well-made. It sends an important message and leaves you happy and optimistic.I loved everyone's acting, escpecially Bill's.
Also, Tim is weirdly sexy
jakeindiana93
I was pretty outraged how many times women were referred to as prostitutes, and how the romantic lead was a totally flat uncharacterized girl who loved to strip for her boyfriend..... pretty obvious a man wrote this and it's pretty painfully faulty and slanderous for that reason.dippygirl78
I didn't expect to like this but I really did, I think it taps into that wish that every single person has of wanting to go back in time and do things differently or make the most of times that you didn't think were important at the time but end up being the very moments you would chose to go back to if you could.ikkegoemikke
Maybe it's because I'm getting older and more mature. Or is it simply because it's a perfect movie ? I put all my money on the second guess because in the end I found it an amazing and captivating romantic comedy . Normally I hate movies containing the combination of romance and humor. Usually the humor is of a questionable level and it threatens to become a corny tearjerker with a predictable happy ending where everyone is happily married. Actually all of that is in this movie , but not on a grotesquely sentimental level as in other chick flicks . Like someone said on IMDb " A chick flick for men" .
Occasionally, I have to listen to my wife and select a movie which will lead to a cozy movie night she can enjoy. Instead of watching again at some nerve wrecking, bloody and violent SF or thriller. With much reluctance I try to look for that kind of movie. The thing that convinced me to choose for "About time" was the SF label it got . Ultimately, the SF part is essential for the whole story, but it is not the crucial element which leaves a lingering impression. It's just a great movie where you get sucked in from the beginning and you feel like you're in the center of the story. Tim has a gift that all men possess in his family . He can go back in time . Not to change (kill Hitler/shag Helen of Troy ) world history .Only situations occurring in his personal life he can change. He wants to use that gift to find the love of his life.
It has immensely funny situations and humorous conversations . I laughed at this film more than any would-be comedy that I have seen in recent months. Those funny situations that happen are so recognizable and pure. Nothing forced, no complicated puns or fetched trivialities . The conversation in the dark restaurant run by blind people . Who came up with that? Their first night and the way Tim returns again and again in time . The frustrations Tim shows while helping Mary to choose an evening dress. I understood him perfectly.Meeting Mary's parents . The one-liners that passed from time to time.The awkward friends like Jay and Rory . Uncle D who was moving in a certain way , but at the same time hilarious. Every time my wife and I laughed about it.
It's enormously romantic. God yes, you get that in a romantic comedy . But it's that romance that also occurs infinite times in real life and not the romance you read in cheap pulp magazines. Sometimes it was brought subtle. Tim could easily use his gift to have a hot night with Charlotte .Finally he says no to that thought and runs back to Mary to ask her to marry him. A symbolic way to show that Mary is his true love . The scene with the live band was also hilarious.
The film also has its emotional moments . These are the moments where the sticker " Beware of irritating objects in the eye" applies to. The relationship with his father gets gradually warmer and caring. The concerns about his sister Kit Kat . The death of his father and the special way he definitively says goodbye. Serene, catchy and stunning. The casting is perfect.
Each character feels like a real individual and fits into the complete picture . Both physically and mentally. Tim is a daydreaming , sometimes awkward but sensitive guy . Domhnall Gleeson delivers a magnificent performance . I didn't recognize him as Bill Weasley of the Potter series , and even as Clan Techie from Dredd . Rachel McAdams who plays Mary is a natural beauty and a charm throughout the film . Bill Nighy puts a rock-solid portrait of the father who struggles with his feelings towards his son. Lindsey Duncan has no big part in this movie, but each time she comes into the picture she has the look of a caring mother. Honestly , there wasn't a single character that I found weak. Finally the soundtrack is also worth a mention . Songs of The Cure , Amy Winehouse , Nick Cave and Ben Folds were a splendid contribution to the overall mood. I've always liked movies.
I watch movies because I want a relaxing moment , a moment to laugh or bite my nails cause of the tension, or nearly get a heart attack from scaring , or sympathize with certain events and sometimes cry a little bit about it . Those are the reasons to watch a movie. And that I found in this movie . My advice is to just give this one a chance and let yourself be carried away on a sentimental and funny roller-coaster ride of emotions.
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