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Overview
A chance to do something all over again or change one event in all of our lives is something many of us think about from time to time. "If I had another chance, I would have…" or "If I could change one thing, I would change…" are all phrases that have passed through all of our lips before.
John Sullivan has a once in a lifetime chance, a choice he
makes without thinking or realizing the dire consequences that
were to follow. Something that has haunted John since he was a child can be avoided: his father's death. If you could avoid the loss of a loved one, would you do what you could to change it? Or no? After reading this review, you might have a different point of view.
Review
James Sullivan ( played by Jim Caviezel ) still lives in Queens, in the same house he grew up in. James is a homicide detective, following in the footsteps of his father by taking up a civil duty job like his father did as a
fire fighter. One night, by pure luck (or fate, depending on how you look at it) James is shocked when he is playing around with his late father's HAM radio and somehow contacts him 30 years after his father was killed in a warehouse fire. A phenomenon called sunspots is the reason behind this one of a kind family reunion. To make a long story short and
to avoid spoiling the entire movie James has a chance to save his father by warning him about his death and how to avoid it. Frank is skeptical, and his actions change many lives, especially those that were close to him. What is quickly figured out by James is that even though he changed his history, it might not have been for the better, as his world that he knows it quickly unravels. This is one of those movies where you have to put your doubt and skepticism on the coffee table before sitting down. It defies most logic, and I say most because I cannot say all logic, for sunspots have been a phenomenon that has been studied for centuries, and no one knows that power they hold. Am I saying this story is plausible? In a fairy tale world, in an optimistic world, in a dreamer's world, I would say no, it isn't plausible…but I'd like to think that it is possible.
The plot is very engaging and it reminded me somewhat of Back to the Future II where Marty goes into the future and brings a sports almanac to the present. All he has to do is bet on the games and scores in the almanac and he could easily be the richest man alive. Without going into a full review of BTF II, someone else gets their hands on the almanac and alters the course of history. Places that used to be upper middle class were run down ghettos, all because of one man's greed. This movie is a lot like that, in that if you change one thing, no matter how minor it may seem in the big scheme of things, the events we live and take place are part of an intricate puzzle that are not to be meddled with without serious consequence. Just like Doc said to Marty, it's a paradox. If you change one thing, a hundred other things could change as a result. Cause and effect.
Acting
James Caviezel plays James Sullivan and plays it brilliantly. Caviezel seems to play the same role in just about all his movies. He plays a reserved, quiet man who goes about his business day to day and doesn't want to cause much trouble. But it works for him, and it works well. He plays a similar role in Angel Eyes, Pay It Forward, and even in G.I. Jane. The chemistry between Caviezel and Dennis Quaid is what makes this movie great. The interesting thing is that 99% of the chemistry is through a radio, never making eye contact. That takes talent.
Dennis Quaid plays the role of John Sullivan, a brash fire
fighter that gets a second lease on life thanks to his 36 year old son. Quaid plays this role with his heart on his sleeve, and for the most part it is a convincing job on his part. The one thing that stuck with me through the entire movie was that Quaid was absolutely horrible in trying to fake a New York accent, almost to the point of distraction. Not letting an accent ruin the acting job, Quaid did very well overall.
Elizabeth Mitchell plays a somewhat forgettable role for some people, but for me, I thought she was a fantastic supporting actress. Her on camera chemistry with Dennis Quaid makes you think they have something going on in real life, it is that convincing. The best acting by her is in the kitchen when she is making dinner in the beginning and Quaid swoops her off her feet.
Directing
Gregory Hoblit seems to have a thing with directing films that never get the press they should. Hoblit has directed Hart's War, Fallen, and Primal Fear, as well as a few TV series including NYPD Blue, L.A. Law, and Hill Street Blues. Hoblit makes sure that the film keeps the audience interested, that the plot isn't as overbearing as one might think. He does this by doing some jumping around, mostly by jumping between 1969 and 1999, which helps break the movie up. He sends a big message that family means everything, by showing strong moments between husband and wife, father and son, and mother and son. It's these keys scenes and the direction behind them that solidify this film.
Final Thoughts
A lot of people might pick this movie apart because it isn't realistic; however, it's not so out of this world that you laugh at the thought of such a thing ever happening. The acting is crisp, the direction is fantastic, and they both make up for anywhere the script make lack. Overall, I thought this was a great movie, and as soon as this review is posted it, I'm ordering it through our link on DVD.
Hyndsy Rating:
4 out of 5 Planets
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