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.