The Time Traveler’s Wife portrays a warm and genuine relationship, but the premise is too ridiculous for most viewers.
Henry (Eric Bana), the titular time traveler, and his wife, Clare (Rachel McAdams), struggle for reassurance that they can make their relationship work.
Clare never knows when her husband may disappear or return. She is always left waiting, Henry wonders where his anomaly will take him next.
Despite this intriguing premise, the film quickly becomes boring and predictable. At any important event or desperate moment, the audience knows Henry will disappear.
The introduction of some characters and events is so random that the audience feels confused about whether the film was portraying the past, present or future.
However, the emotional bond between the frustrated lovers is strong and sweet enough for audience members to forgive the jerky transitions.
The first half of the film is quite romantic and sets up Henry and Clare’s love for each other, but the two-hour film was too short to make audiences truly feel the depth of their bond. The rapid progression of their feelings is quite spontaneous, and the main
characters seem to have a perfect relationship with few fights concerning Henry’s condition.
The filmmakers let the audience assume that love conquers the obstacle presented by having a time-traveling romantic partner. Even though the latter half of the film is more realistic, the development of the main relationship was thrown together quickly for these characters to feel like an actual couple.
This film strives to unite romance and science fiction. It barely misses the mark, but should remain on the list of summer romances to catch in theaters.
A possible tearjerker, audiences may find that The Time Traveler’s Wife will revive their faith in love and its ability to overcome.
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The Time Traveler’s Wife
Rating: PG-13
Starring: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams
Verdict: Realistic emotions hampered by rushed direction
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