Have you noticed the recent onslaught of movies based on novels? Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s been going on for years but it seems to me the Hollywood machine has gotten lazy (or unimaginative) and are relying more and more on authors for movie related material.

In the case of Timeline, I can’t complain because it is one of the more enjoyable films released in recent years. Richard Donnor’s adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel is an adventure filled journey that I’m sure I’ll be taking many times.

The story is simple (well, as simple as a movie about time travel can be); a group of archaeologists are uncovering ruins of a 14th century castle, a dream come true for most of them. The professor (Billy Connolly) leading the dig becomes suspicious of their benefactor’s (David Thewlis) motives and sets out to find answers. While he is away the rest of the team make a discovery inside a chamber that has been sealed for more than 600 years: a bifocal lens and a plea for help written in 14th century ink in the professor’s handwriting.

Whew! Can you imagine what a feeling you’d get upon making such a discovery? Wait, it gets better. The remaining members, among them the professor’s son Chris (Paul Walker), embark on a quest to find the professor, who has suddenly disappeared. Upon arriving at the benefactor’s company, they learn that a wormhole has been discovered which allows travel between present day and 14th Century France, (not coincidentally the exact location of the dig) and the professor is now stuck there.

The team travels back in time to rescue their mentor with only a six-hour window to complete their task. What follows is a thrilling journey that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat.

Timeline is much more than a fantastical rescue mission. For instance, the professor’s son is there only because he’s infatuated with one of the archaeologists; the benefactor worries more about company image than human life, and there are physical repercussions for traveling through the worm hole. As with other movies about time-travel the fear of changing the past is prevalent but becomes insignificant when compared to human emotions.

This movie is well developed and superbly executed with wonderful performances, direction and cinematography. The 14th century scenery is magnificent and the battle sequences remind one how far we’ve come in warfare. The only complain I had was I figured out one of the twists long before it was revealed; I won’t give it away because I encourage everyone to see this mix of drama, adventure and romance.



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD