Movie Review - About Time

About Time *** (R) This English import is a sweet little romantic dramedy that should charm most mellow and/or mature viewers. A shy young man (Domnhall Gleeson) learns from his father ((Bill Nighy) that men in their bloodline have a limited time-travel ability. They can only go back, and within their own lifetime. It’s a closely-guarded secret, even withheld from their wives and daughters. That gives the nerd a leg up on landing the girl of his dreams (Rachel McAdams), and navigating many other aspects of life. In movie terms, it’s akin to Groundhog’s Day, offering infinite chances for "do-overs" (Mulligans, for the golfers among you), but understated with a heavy dose of British reserve. The sentimental aspect of a shared father-son secret adds a bonus layer.

The screenplay meanders in places, with the last half-hour of this two-hour tale seeming excessive, and periodically bordering on maudlin. There are actually some useful life perspectives for those of us who can only live each moment once, but those points could have been made more effectively in less time. But of all the cinematic sins we find, that’s but a minor annoyance in this gentle, pleasant bit of whimsy. Nice films like this - intimate relationships displayed without trying to milk the warm fuzzies - are often lost in the hype for all the high-profile and other big-budget action fare. This one offers a welcome change of pace and tone from most of the options at your local multiplex. (11/8/13)