Every time I am asked "What is my favourite romantic comedy film?", my answer has always been the same, Notting Hill (1999). The film stars Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, and is written by Richard Curtis and directed by Roger Michell. Richard Curtis first found success in films after writing Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) also starring Hugh Grant. Curtis is more familiar in the world of British television as the co-creator of the sitcom Mr. Bean starring Rowan Atkinson. His first foray into directing was with Love Actually (2003), a film which I watch every year on Christmas Day and has become somewhat a tradition for me. Anyway, the movie I am gonna review is his 3rd directorial effort, About Time.
About Time is written and directed by Curtis himself. The film stars Domhnall Gleeson (son of veteran British actor Brendan Gleeson), Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Margot Robbie, and many more. As usual, About Time is produced by the duo Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films who produced Curtis's other films.
Will Richard Curtis live up to expectations for this film? Do read on...
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| Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson as the leads Mary and Tim |
Tim, a young man coming-of-age, discovers that he has the gift to travel in time. By using his new found abilities, Tim sought out to find a girlfriend and fall in love. He finds his dream girl Mary and they both go on an adventure involving family, friendship, and love.
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| Mary (McAdams) and Tim (Gleeson) sharing a scene (and a bed) |
SCRIPT:
Quite solid. It establishes the plot right from the very beginning which is good. By doing so, if gives room for the movie to explore as it progresses. It doesn't explain much on the 'why' of time travel and avoids the scientific angle of the ability to time travel. This is also good as such exploration could just be too technical. The dialogue was witty and fun. Just like his other films, Richard Curtis uses the same formula of bouncing back and forth between comedy and drama set in a romantic world. However, I feel the film needs a strong antagonist to balance out the story.
ACTING:
Great performance from Domhnall Gleeson in the lead as Tim. Actor and regular collaborator for Richard Curtis, Bill Nighy, was an absolute delightas Tim's father. Rachel McAdams as the female lead Mary did well.
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| Gleeson as Tim with Bill Nighy as his father |
As with most films of this genre, the shooting style is pretty much the same. Good editing too in giving the film a little light and funky mood. Once again, Richard Curtis utilizes the use of popular music to enhance the story like he did with his other films. It amazes me how he can clear the rights to these songs which would have been expensive.
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| Gleeson and McAdams watching the playback monitor with director Richard Curtis while filming |
PACING:
At a little under two hours, it is just right. Not draggy and light-hearted. Two-thirds of the film were full of comedy. The remaining one-third became more serious as it dealt with issues of life in general.
TONE (MOOD):
A romantic tale of love between two individuals and their families with a touch of a little science-fiction element.
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| A scene from the film with McAdams and Gleeson |
Its a 'chick-flick'. So, maybe not the cup-of-tea for those looking for 'machoness' and adventure.
UPSIDE:
Great laughs all along the way and an underlying theme of appreciating the little things in life.
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| The male lead from the film. Domhnall Gleeson as Tim Lake |
If you liked Richard Curtis's previous work, you would have love this film.
RATING:
8.5 out of 10.
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