Timeline
Starring: Paul Walker, Frances O'Connor, Gerard Butler, Billy Connolly, David Thewlis
Directed by: Richard Donner
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure
2003

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A group of archeaologists (including Paul Walker and Frances O'Connor) must travel back in time to 14th century France to rescue one of the group member's father (Billy Connolly) and then return to the present. The plan becomes more complicated when the invading British arrive and the time travelers find themselves in the middle of a war. Based on the novel by Michael Crichton.

Review:
Tim: Timeline more than bombed at the North American box office, but I must say that it's still a pretty good movie. It is based on a Michael Crichton novel, so it has a great source. Sure, Richard Donner didn't exactly stick with the book or the depth and feel of Crichton's writing, but enough makes the transition to the screen for the film to be enjoyable. The novel has to be better than the movie (I hate people that say this), but don't let that stop you- this is still a fun movie to watch.

This movie is not without its plot holes. There are, in fact, so many plot holes that it is hard to imagine the film being held together at all. It hangs on by a few threads, to be sure. Oftentimes the film is mediocre and borders on insulting our intelligence as viewers. However, there are many positives to the film as well. There is a very interesting blend of the past and present. History is very important in this movie and it works hard to show the importance of history. I feel this is a valuable lesson to be learned.

I also liked Paul Walker in this film. I was so worried that they would make him an incredible action hero. He simply isn't believable as this type of character. Fortunately, Walker isn't this all-powerful savior. Sure, he has a few heroic moments, but for much of the film he is running and hiding. This makes the movie all the more believable for me.

Timeline is far from a perfect film. Don't let that stop you, though. Sometimes a mindless summer flick is exactly what you need to watch and this movie will keep you entertained without requiring vast amounts of effort.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Back to the Future trilogy, Braveheart, A Knight's Tale, Gladiator, The Fast and the Furious, Joy Ride, Varsity Blues, The Time Machine