A WRINKLE IN TIME WITHERS
April 18, 2018
Director Ava Duvernay’s, A Wrinkle in Time is an example of what happens when directors are given access to a large budget and an infinite costume closet but forget about actual story. Much less an actual movie and much more a dress up play date for famous actors, A Wrinkle in Time leaves much to be desired.
Based on Madeline L’Engle’s classic novel by the same name, A Wrinkle in Time follows the adventures of Meg Murry (Storm Reid) and her young, genius brother Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe) as they attempt to return their father from the “It” that is the source of all evil in the universe.
The pair travel through tesseracts and wormholes with the help of three mystical beings: Mrs. Who (Mindy Khaling), Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), and Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon). Even with their help Meg has trouble seeing the good in others and herself, and the journey proves to be just as much about personal improvement as saving the universe.
Featuring many big names in Hollywood, this movie had lofty goals, but proved a disappointment.
It wasn’t so much the acting that was poor but the plot itself. The writers took a beloved classic and picked and chose some especially iconic scenes without regard for their place in the greater scheme. A lot of scenes seemed to be created for their own sake.
For example, after Meg fights the “It” the audience is treated to an overly extended, colorful time travel sequence which was interesting for only the first ten seconds of its five minute run time.
There was no rising action throughout the story, and even in what should have been the most climactic scenes, it was easy to remain detached and distracted.
A Wrinkle in Time wasn’t all bad though, where it lacked in any actual plot it excelled in cinematography. Kind of like a kaleidoscope, it is a hazy array of colors with no purpose or distinction, but provides enjoyment in its beauty.
On a more positive note, the film had an ambitious approach to attacking many common problems faced by people today. From bullying to abuse, A Wrinkle in Time takes these issues head on and brings them to the forefront.
If you can get past the colorful lighthearted distractions of the costumes and special effects you will find a positive message about the good in everything.