I read The Time Traveler’s Wife in 2006, and though I didn’t like some of the bad language in it, I absolutely LOVED the story. I think the movie was supposed to come out last fall, but it kept being pushed later and later, so I was a little worried about how it was going to turn out. But with Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana as the lead roles (two of my very favorite actors), I thought it couldn’t be too awful.
I really liked but didn’t quite love the movie. It was very emotional for me, just as the book was. Of course they changed some elements of the story (Gomez is all good in the film), but most of the movie was as good as I expected. The problem for me was that the beginning of it didn’t quite work for me. I’m not sure why, but I think they could have set up the storyline a little better than they did. Also, while Erica Bana was great,I didn’t like Rachel McAdam’s acting in parts — it was as if I could “see” her acting. I loved loved loved her in The Notebook, so I was surprised and disappointed in this. But, it was only in parts. In other sections of the movie I thought she was as fantastic as Bana.
My only caution is that if you haven’t read the book, it might be a little hard to follow. And if you haven’t yet read the book, I highly recommend you do so!
Grade: B+
Bummer! I was hoping for fabulous. Think I might still go next weekend though. Had such an emotional attachment to that book. Thanks for sharing. Happy reading!
I saw it on Friday and unlike you I didn’t like it at all. In fact, I recommended the book to my roommate two weeks ago and while she was reading it, she got really excited to watch the movie. We went together and she was disappointed too.
I did like Eric Bana but Rachel McAdams and the little girl that playable Alba, not to good.
I just finished this book today and really LOVED it! I flew through it so I could see the movie while it’s still in theaters. Despite your review, I’m still holding out hope for Rachel McAdams’ performance; she’s one of my favorites.
I’m so jealous. The movie won’t be out until November in Australia!
I don’t have very high expectation (the movie rarely surpasses the book) so I hope I’ll be enjoying the movie. I love Rachel McAdams and the Notebook too (one of my favorite movies of all time).
Can’t wait to see this film. Need to convince the husband though..
I’m actually scared to watch this, I’m so afraid I’ll hate it since the book is one my faves! Good to hear that you didn’t think they ruined it or anything!
Great review!
I liked that book, and I’ll be curious to see it on the screen. I’m not a fan of Eric Bana but I love Rachel McAdams, so now I’m also curious to see if my impressions on the actors will be different!
I hate it when film adaptations don’t live up to the books! It seems they rarely do. Thanks for your review. I’ll wait to catch this one on DVD since I loved the book and figured the movie couldn’t possibly be as fabulous.
Film adaptations can really spoil the book. I think there are a very few movies that could actually pull out 5 on 5. Most just waver away from book or change the view so drastically that we never wanna visit the book again. It happened to me with Vanity Fair .
I think I will not go n watch it as i really liked the book and don’t want it to be ruined for like EVER
I saw the film yesterday and agree with your review. I was welling up with tears almost all the way through the film, but it wasn’t as good as the book and some of the acting was a bit dodgy.
I’m really pleased that I saw it, but will only recommend the book to people in the future.
I am so glad to hear a true review on the movie, other than what I read in the magazines. I read the book, liked the book but mostly marveled at the complex structure of the story, not so much the story, and couldn’t imagine it on the big screen.
Now, after your review, I can make a real decision. I’m not going to see it. Maybe when it comes to Netflix, I’ll do it, but for now, I am tired of Hollywood’s changed plot lines and soupy fill ins. thanks for this write up!