Time Traveler’s Wife, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Arliss Howard, Ron Livingston. Romantic Drama. Written by Bruce Joel Rubin. Directed by Robert Schwentke.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Based on the best-selling book about a love that transcends time. Clare has been in love with Henry her entire life. She believes they are destined to be together, even though she never knows when they will be separated: Henry is a time traveler—cursed with a rare genetic anomaly that causes him to live his life on a shifting timeline, skipping back and forth through his lifespan with no control. Despite the fact that Henry’s travels force them apart with no warning, Clare desperately tries to build a life with her one true love.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Romantic, stylish and downright enjoyable. That’s my first reaction. But preposterous and profane also describe this passionate fantasy. Though the premise is silly, the leads hold it together with sincere, charming performances, but read the content before deciding to attend.

DVD Alternatives: Time Changer (2002). D. David Morin, Gavin MacLeod, Hal Linden, Jennifer O'Neill and Paul Rodriguez. The story centers on a Bible professor from 1890 who comes forward in time to the present via a time machine. An involving adventure that illustrates the disaster of moral relativism and the pit a society falls into when it sheds itself of an ultimate authority, Time Changer is full of Christian teaching, and containing a spiritual and very powerful ending. Time Changer was produced by a Christian film company. This is one made for the entire family.

Now, I’m also going to suggest two old films – here’s the reason – neither uses objectionable language, which many of my readers appreciate. And second, newer attempts, such as Somewhere in Time and The French Lieutenant’s Woman contain sexual situations and structurally are a mess.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. Bing Crosby is transported to the time of Camelot where he must battle for the hand of the fair Rhonda Fleming. Crosby is witty, the movie engrossing and the use of color is breathtaking – as is Ms. Fleming.

The Time Machine (1960). Rod Taylor. Based on the classic science fiction novel by H.G. Wells, the story has an inventor going 800,000 years into the future with his new invention. There he discovers that man has divided into the hunter…and the hunted. H.G. Wells was a genius who opened a world of possibilities through his science fiction. Neither this 1960 George Pal version, nor the 2002 remake with Guy Pearce, really captures the depth of his work. But as escapist fare, both films are action-filled and involving. However, beware: the villainous Morlocks, though cartoonish, are far too scary for little ones.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Warner Bros.