As a child, I wasn’t into science fiction or fantasy type books. I was given a set of Madeleine L’Engle’s books, including A Wrinkle in Time and they just sat on my shelf.
Last month, my mother stumbled upon them and brought them over, thinking maybe Mr A would like to read the first in the series before the movie came out. I figured, hey, you have to read the book before you see the movie, so for the last week, we’ve been reading the book together. It’s been fun to see the book through the eyes of my child.
So at our screening, I was tickled to hear director, Ava DuVernay, instruct the audience to view the movie as your 12-year-old self. It’s true, A Wrinkle in Time is a children’s movie. But adults will love it too if they are willing to suspend their beliefs for just a little while and revert to their child=like state of mind. The story is complex, but simple.
Full disclosure, I did not finish the book before I saw the movie, but fully intend to before my son sees it. I always like to hear what he has to say when things aren’t quite the way the book depicts it.
From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and, ultimately, the triumph of love. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.
The Story
At first glance, A Wrinkle in Time is a story about time and space and the idea of being able to cross dimensions. But if you get up close, it’s really a film about love and the basic needs and wants of humans.
Meg Murry, the main character, is going through a rough time. Her father, a renowned scientist, has been missing for four years and she’s having trouble at school – with peers, her classes and really, with herself. The beginning of the movie gives us the background we need before jumping into the real adventure – wrinkling time.
Once the space travel begins, we’re taken on a fantastic, colorful adventure as Meg, her younger brother, Charles Wallace and friend, Calvin search for her father.
The Characters
I really can’t say enough about the cast of characters in this movie. Yes, Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon are wonderful in their roles, but the real winners of A Wrinkle in Time are the kids.
You fall in love with Meg Murry. Flawed and imperfect in such a beautiful way, Storm Reid plays her to perfection. And Deric McCabe who plays Charles Wallace is so impressive.
But I have to admit, my favorite character is Calvin, played by Levi Miller. He just has this charm about him – an awkward, realistic and loveable charm. He and Storm have great chemistry as new friends and potential romantic interest. I say potential because the film does a great job of dancing around pre-teen feelings. The relationship between the two was perfectly clumsy, which was exactly what it needed to be.
What’s your age recommendation?
I honestly think this is a movie for the entire family. However, the antagonist (“The It”) is evil. It’s portrayed by darkness, a deep voice and red eyes. Some children may find it scary, but I think most, with a little advanced warning, will be okay.
That being said, this is not an action movie. There is a lot of dialogue, important dialogue, so I recommend leaving the smallest ones at home. They’d probably be restless through the beginning of the movie. So for that reason, I say 6+.
I love that the message of this film is fundamentally about loving who you are and loving those around you. All children can benefit from a movie that shines such a bright light on this subject. It opens up the possibility of some good conversations with your kids.
A Wrinkle in Time is rated PG and opens March 9 at theaters everywhere.
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