I like romantic movies that aren’t unnecessarily sappy. I like movies that are witty and juxtapose humor with more serious subjects. And I like movies with original plots. If you also like these things, I would suggest going to see About Time.

About Time, written and directed by Richard Curtis (who is also responsible for Love, Actually, and Notting Hill) tells the story of Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) who is told by his father at the age of 21 that all men in their family can time travel. Romantically unlucky Tim uses this ability to find love, which appears in the form of Mary (Rachel McAdams.) Throughout the course of the movie, Tim also discovers how to use his power to make his life as happy as possible and grows closer with his aging father (Bill Nighy).

Although the idea of time travel may seem overdone, it’s seen from a fresh, very matter-of-fact perspective in this movie. One of the things I liked best about the story was that there wasn’t some grand thing to overcome- no terminal illness or sinking ships. For a movie about time travel, it was far subtler than many romantic movies, not to mention very funny. The movie also went beyond the relationship between Tim and Mary. Many of the best parts were about Tim’s relationship with his father and younger sister.

The movie did have some shortcomings. Towards the end, the plot seemed to become a little aimless and lost momentum. It didn’t bother me, but I can see how some people would have liked more structure- or a shorter film. I don’t think it would be everybody’s cup of tea, but if you liked Richard Curtis’s earlier movies, it shouldn’t disappoint.

8.5/10