James Southerland

I have to say, I really loved this movie. That is, until it ended. Basic plot, a very smart girl and her best friend try to build a time machine. Why? Because they want something better for themselves. I mean, that is such a great message. Of course, this is a Spike Lee joint. So, when it's revealed that this movie has an undertone of police brutality, it is handled with enough truth and care to stay a sub plot and not remove the major plot, at first. With a great cast that, generally, push for such awesome performances, we follow Claudette and Sebastian as they go back in time, but each jump makes the present so much worse than before. I also like how Spike Lee fixes some space time continuum issues mid way through the movie. The only issue, AND THIS IS A BIG SPOILER, is 2 fold. #1, if the reason Calvin is shot is because of the other two, that would remove the circuit boards keeping the guys from running into themselves. Or did I not actually understand how those worked? IDK. It's never explained. The second issue is, this movie has NO ENDING. Mid 3rd act, it stops. What? Why? Give me something. Happy, sad, indifferent... Something. But to have it ending with Claudette running by herself? Yeah, that is not an ending. That is the build up to the final scene. All in all, it was worth the viewing, but if there was an actual ending it would be much more enjoyable as a movie. Also, looking up some more information on why the unneccessary cliffhanger and I found this from the film's director; ****SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!**** "I didn’t want the film to be wrapped up in a bow. I didn’t give a clear answer about what happened, or let you know if the brother died or not," Okay, I kind of get that. I don't like it when I'm not given a conclusion, but that's just me. However, he goes on to say, when asked about a sequel; "Making another movie. I personally like when a story ends. And that’s all I’m gonna say!" Dude. Wha... Why... How... Yeah, that ending is straight trash.

I honestly have no idea how to rate this because I am very confused on who this movie is for. The plot is very childish with giant plot holes and predictable, unnecessary turns, but the kids curse worse than most workers on oil derricks. Is it entertaining? Sure. Once you get into the flow, its decent. Like a 2 am Syfy channel movie (but with slightly better production, which is shocking knowing this is a McG movie...). But this movie for sure wouldn't win any awards. The beginning hits pretty quickly and we learn what exactly is in store for our heroes because something lands. (Which is one giant plothole. So, it survives a fall from space, even having the ship be hot because of reentry, but the main bad guy dies like that? Please.) Then, there are characters showing back up in predictable ways after a very short introduction. It is just not that well written when compared to other efforts. Ultimately, if you enjoy B Movies, you'll probably enjoy this at least a little. But don't expect this to either be a hidden blockbuster gem nor a disney channel movie of the week. It really can't be either of those. Actually, if you have seen an Asylum film from the last 6 or 7 years and enjoyed it, you will feel right at home on this one. I will say, for the most part, the main cast is enjoyable. I feel like a couple of them are out of their comfort zone, but they eventually find some sort of rhythm. Also, a kid goes to "juvie" for punching someone and then escapes before the big dirty goes down... Huh? That would be one hell of a case he had thrown on him and his ability to walk around in the open after escaping juvile detention without even explaining how he got out?