MOVIE REVIEW: THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE

ENGLISH - PG13 - 29 October 2009 - Romantic/Drama
Distributor: New Line Cinemas (Warner Bros)
Running Time: 107 mins.
Director: Robert Schwentke
Producers: Brad Pitt, Nick Weschler, Dede Gardner
Writers: (Novel) Audrey Niffenegger; (Screenplay) Jeremy Leven, Bruce Joel Rubin
Casts: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston, Jane McLean, Stephen Tobolowsky
Plot: Based on the premise of The Time Traveler's Wife, a Chicago librarian (Bana) has a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel randomly. Though he often disappears from her life for long periods of time, he tries to build a romantic relationship with Clare Abshire, an artist (McAdams)

The Verdict:

Green Tea Bern says:

I came in with huge expectation that this could be a great romantic flick that may perhaps the best of the year. However, after 107 minutes of watching it, the notion quickly evaporated. It is not that it is no good but the commitment and comtemplancy are lacking in the adapted version.

Unlike novelization, just like in many cases, The Time Traveler's Wife possesses little elementary of compassion and emotional display. The story depends on the virtual ultimate emotional bonding to make the whole story interesting in the novel. But again, blame it on the translation process, those wonderous moments are lacking.


Those who are unfamiliar with the novel may find it very confusing in terms of its plot timeline. First we have Henry at the age of 7 (or so) visited by Henry in adult. Then we have Clare met Henry (in adult) where she told him about his frequent visits in her past. Next, we have Henry (in adult) visiting Clare when she is 7 (or so again). I guess I shouldn't confuse you further.

However, the theme of time traveling gets an unique and freshier look. No longer will time traveling be assocaited with sci-fi flick! Another particular is that the display of love bond between Henry (Eric Bana) and Clare (Rachel McAdams) is strong. The romance is undeniably great to watch and savour those moment of surprises.

Eric Bana is an enchanting actor but I just wish he had done more. Nevertheless, he is still the one that suits the shoe of Henry DeTamble well for the persona. Rachel McAdams basically garnered all the attention as the story is about her. An eye candy and been strong despite the absence of Henry that may disappears for a long time, she has what it takes to anchor the movie forward.

I like the cinematographic here. The usage of multiple angle of panes helps to create a beautiful atmostphere with a particular changes in seasons. In overall, The Time Traveler's Wife is a great show to watch but it lacks in emotion and revolution that makes it a step better. It is just a lovely movie to watch anyway.

THE RATING...

STORY - 3.0 stars

CASTS - 3.5 stars

CINEMATOGRAPHY - 4.0 stars

EFFECTS - 4.0 stars

Overall - 3.5 stars

Green-Tea-O-Meter: 13.8