Review - About Time (2013)

On DVD and Blu Ray - "About Time" - On his 21st birthday, "Tim" (Domhnall Gleeson) is presented with the revelation, via his father (Bill Nighy), that he and the other men in the family possess the ability to travel back in time- a reluctant first try nets positive results and endless possibilities.  This is an airy, distinctly British Rom/Com Fantasy from Writer/Director Richard Curtis (Love Actually), whose heartfelt script and sentimental direction won me over in record fashion and tugged on the old heartstrings time and time again.  It's not the best film of 2013, though it is my favorite.

Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows parts 1 & 2) will undoubtedly leave an impression as the loveable and lovelorn chap looking to make a romantic connection through trial and error while benefiting from an endless supply of refinements.  I was previously unaware that the lanky, red-haired Domhnall is the son of veteran actor Brendan Gleeson- audiences should expect more substantial work featuring the genial, undeniably charming 29-year-old Irish actor in the next few years.

Bill Nighy (Shaun Of The Dead) shines in every scene in which he's featured as our central character's father- though clearly in support, it's a tailor made role that's sure to please his fans.

Rachel McAdams (Morning Glory) is a bit restrained but entirely suitable here as our hero's love interest- she's as cute as ever, though I sure didn't care for her bangs...and I'm normally a bangs kinda guy.

Other notable talents include Lydia Wilson (Never Let Me Go) as Tim's free-spirited sister, "Kit Kat", while Lindsay Duncan (HBO's Rome) portrays their mother.  Tom Hollander (Gosford Park) pops up intermittently as a struggling playwright with the lovely Margot Robbie (The Wolf Of Wall Street) leaving quite an impression as yet another potential love interest. The late Richard Griffiths (The History Boys) has a cameo here in his final film role.

Don't expect any lengthy or elaborate scientific explanation behind the manner in which our protagonist can travel back in time- the lack of reasoning behind this ability is acceptably unnecessary given the narrative tone and subject matter.  There is a bit of repetition involving these forays, though Curtis's thoughtful handling avoids tedium in a commendably fresh and satisfactory fashion.

If I had one thing to pick at, it would involve an eleventh hour event which many will probably recognize as a plot hole given the film's established time travel rules.  A bit of thought into the matter will probably lead to other nitpickings though I really didn't see the point.

Those inclined should expect endearing performances, healthy doses of clever humor and a myriad of little golden moments strewn throughout.  It's a sincere and poignant experience complete with wonderful cinematography and a number of excellent soundtrack selections. Those who appreciated Curtis's Love, Actually and Four Weddings And A Funeral (he wrote the screenplay) should find plenty to enjoy here.

Faced with turning 40 less than a year away,  I find myself reminiscing over the countless mistakes I've made throughout my life with greater frequency, often wishing to somehow revisit those defining moments (as many others do) and approach them in an altogether different manner.  I consider About Time to be the definitive cinematic love letter to those hearts filled with such regrets.

Highly Recommended- Cynics need not apply...

9.0 out of 10

Director: Richard Curtis
Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson, Lindsay Duncan, Richard Cordery, Tom Hollander, Margot Robbie, Joshua McGuire, Will Merrick, Vanessa Kirby, Richard E. Grant, Richard Griffiths and Lisa Eichorn
Run-Time: 123 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for language and some sexual content