When you need a do-over, or you're just in the mood for a little time travel
What moment in time would you leap to if you could?
It was Leap Day yesterday, and it got me thinking about time and how it makes us feel.
Tell me, how is time treating you right now — is it flying by? Or do you wish you could teleport somewhere else, even just for a moment? Maybe you need a do-over?
Before I share my recommendations, I’d like to give a shout-out to one of my favourite story devices, the “freeze” or time-stop moment. Expertly employed in different ways by two of my favourite childhood television characters, Zack Morris (Saved by the Bell) and Jeff the Mannequin (Today’s Special), the “freeze” moment always seemed like a fun, simple way to time travel. I realize Zack typically used this device for selfish reasons, and Jeff was a mannequin, so technically he “froze” because plastic was his default form, but where did Jeff’s spirit go when his hat fell off? I’d love to hear your theories.
What if you could travel backward or jump forward through time? Would you want to? Where When would you want to visit? What would you try to achieve or correct? Whatever your answer (I am curious though, so please feel free to share in the comments) I think a little “freeze” moment would be useful for all of us from time to time.
So, for those moments when you need a do-over, or you're just in the mood for a little time travel, these movies are for you:
ABOUT TIME (spoilers ahead)
About Time (2013) is a charming film chock-full of dry British wit, heartwarming moments, and affable actors. In essence, it’s a film about family, and you don’t have to live at the English seaside to relate to the characters and their stories.
The movie follows Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) who falls in love with Mary (Rachel McAdams) and discovers he has inherited the gift of time travel from his father (Bill Nighy) and the men in his family before him. Travel with Tim as goes back and forth in time and attempts to answer life’s questions and right some wrongs. Watch if only to hear Bill Nighy say, “Life’s a mixed bag, no matter who you are. Look at Jesus: he was the son of God, for God’s sake, and look how that turned out.”
You’ll like this if you like: British dramedies, Rachel McAdams, actors who have been in Harry Potter movies, films about family.
🇨🇦 Where to Stream: Netflix
🇨🇦 Where to Rent: Amazon Prime, AppleTV+, Cineplex.ca
Fun Fact: With a beautiful score by English musician and composer Nick Laird-Clowes, this movie also has an excellent soundtrack featuring songs by Ben Folds, The Cure, the late Amy Winehouse, Nick Cave, and Canada’s own Ron Sexsmith.
INTERSTELLAR
Settle in for a long one, but a good one.
Christopher Nolan is one of modern cinema’s most celebrated filmmakers, and Interstellar (2014) is one of the reasons why (not to mention his most recent masterpiece, Oppenheimer).
Set in the year 2067, Interstellar tells the story of an American father/farmer/ex-NASA pilot Cooper (McConaughey) and his quest to find a new planet for humans, as Earth is quickly becoming inhabitable. Cooper flies through space and time with a team of scientists including Brand (Anne Hathaway).
Perhaps one of Nolan’s more emotional films, Interstellar features a phenomenally talented cast of actors.
You’ll like this if you like: Christopher Nolan movies, dystopia, crying like a baby, Matthew McConaughey, space, father-daughter stories.
🇨🇦 Where to Stream: Netflix, Paramount+,
🇨🇦 Where to Rent: Amazon Prime, AppleTV+, Cineplex.ca
Fun Facts: Filmed in Iceland, Alberta, Los Angeles, and Colorado. One of Timothée Chalamet’s first feature films.
PREDESTINATION
Based on the short story “All You Zombies” by Robert A. Heinlein, Predestination (2014) is a sci-fi time travel tale with an excellent screenplay by Australian brothers/co-writers/co-directors Michael and Peter Spierig. Gripping and thought-provoking, this film is riveting and confusing in the best way, in large part due to the brilliant acting of Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snook.
Predestination is one of those movies that is better if you go in knowing very little about it before you press play. Even if you think this might not be your type of movie, I challenge you to give it a try.
You’ll like this if you like: movies based on short stories, Ethan Hawke, The Game, Sarah Snook, cool vintage clothing, surprises.
🇨🇦 Where to Stream: Netflix
🇨🇦 Where to Rent: Amazon Prime, AppleTV+, Cineplex.ca
Fun Fact: When Ethan Hawke’s character looks at his watch for the first time in the movie, the date shown is his actual birthday: November 6, 1970.
Enjoy the movie(s),
Heather
Streaming and rental sources listed are limited to the services and websites I subscribe to and/or have access to (in Canada) at the time of publishing. Feel free to search your streaming and cable services for these titles.
Loved “ About Time”! It has something for everyone. Great recommendation!