A friend had suggested a trip to the cinema as I was feeling a bit glum. She said “About time” would be the perfect pick-me-up and restore the smile to my face. Well, Richard Curtis is the King of the Heart-Warming Mostly-Harmless RomComs so I figured I had little to lose. And what a tonic it to turned out to be.
OK. There are some plot howlers and some cheesy moments. And it’s uncanny how the lead (Domhnall Gleeson playing Tim) sounds like Hugh Grant – thank goodness that his geeky smile and red hair allows little chance of visual confusion. But overall it’s like eating a wholesome bowl of soup while ensconced in a duvet. Warming and comforting.
The story is about a young man (Tim) who discovers on his 21st birthday that he can travel back in time to earlier parts of his life. And change the way things turn out - sometimes with unexpected consequences. He comes from a quirky family living in a hill top mansion by the Cornish sea – there’s flighty sister Kit Kat, a very strange but endearing uncle and the marvellous Bill Nighy as his dad. Bill Nighy is incredible – and generates a smile for each and every on-screen moment.
At the core of the story is Tim’s love affair with Mary – played by Rachel McAdams (no doubt cast to ensure the film’s appeal to the American market) – who wears some interesting outfits. It’s a searing depiction of a realistic but romantic relationship – with tender, intimate moments interlaced with big-time comic turns. And it must get the Guinness Book of Records for the worst wedding weather ever. Tom Hollander does a fabulous job as an irreverent and irascible playwright. And there are some cameos of some other famous faces – including the lovely Richard E Grant.
You can’t help be drawn into the story and characters. We laughed out loud continuously. But we also nearly teared-up at the sad moments. It may not be as timeless a classic as “Four weddings”, “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually” but it’s good enough to watch again.
And while it whisks you away from your day-to-day problems into a happy and poignant love story, it reminds you to savour each and every moment in your life.
I did indeed emerge from the cinema feeling a lot better. And I was smiling again. Thanks to my friend’s recommendation and Mr Curtis’ cinematography skills.
