Timeline


release year: 2003
genre: drama/action
viewing setting: theater, 11/27/03

synopsis: A group of archaeology students go back in time to rescue their professor.

impressions: Sounds like a Saturday morning cartoon adventure, doesn't it? Well, take note: 1357 A.D. was a rough time and place, with swords and arrows flying and death striking at every turn. The "adventure" synopsized above quickly turned lethal, and the students had to focus on their own survival instead of finding their teacher. This was based on a good novel by Michael Crichton, the differences here being mainly in the nature of Lady Claire from 1357. I don't want to spoil any more for you, but this is a good action/adventure movie with a sci-fi twist.

things to watch for: The big battle at the end.

something this movie has that no other movie has: Time-travel return microchips.

acting: Paul Walker plays the professor's son, who has little interest in archaeology but wants to see his dad get back in one piece. Frances O'Connor is the girl he has the hots for. Gerard Butler (perhaps better known as Dracula in Dracula 2000) is Marek, the student with an interest in medieval weapons and culture...he sure comes in handy once the $h!t hits the fan. The guy who played the old professor did a good job as well. The guy who played the physicist was good, suitably concerned for his friends. The head soldier was, as intended, a complete jerk.

final word: Good time-travel story, worth seeing.

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