Netflix'd Review: The Time Traveler's Wife

I love Netflix and since we religiously watch and return our Netflix movies two times a week, I figured I would take some time to write a few short reviews of movies I've "Netflix'd".

The Time Traveler's Wife

This movie caught me off guard as I wasn't expecting much more than a sappy love story. However, time travel is always an interesting plot mechanic, even when wrapped in a chick flick.

For a time travel story, there aren't many twists and turns in The Time Traveler's Wife. The entire story was easy to follow and understandable, which works to the benefit of the movie. The art of foreshadowing is masterfully executed; subtle camera tricks ensure the audience is focused on various clues to the future and past.

The movie was more about watching a story about time travel unfold than it was about the mystery of main character's ability to time travel. At its base, its about a woman knowingly marrying into an extraordinary situation. This leads to the age old question of what knowing one's future does to a person.

More importantly though, the movie follows the effect of this knowledge that trickles down to the friends, family, and wife. The cast of characters take the time travel in stride and before the end of the movie it is an accepted occurrence. Yet throughout there is an uneasy tension around the idea and its great to watch it push and pull the characters apart.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. I would highly recommend it not only as a great date movie, but as a good movie to watch with friends. While there isn't much on the action forefront, there is enough substance to the story and within the characters to make up for it. This movie was a treat.