This movie did two things most movies don't

Rating: 9/10 (26 October 2016)

This movie did two things completely right that most movies don't.
I'm not a fan of time travel movies.
Usually, I sit gritting my teeth at the sheer audacity of the writers as they attempt to suspend my disbelief to the point that I would have to just accept anything they throw at me.
Unfortunately, time travel is a sticky subject that is so hard to get right, but so beautiful to watch and immerse yourself in when it succeeds.
About time got it right. This is the first of two things it does very well.
From the very beginning, this treasure of a tale does not try to blind you with science, nor use you as some instant stooge to work its lame magic tricks. Instead, it comes right out with the plot at a very early stage when the amazing Bill Nighy just outright tells his son that he can time travel, and that's that.
Sure, this is ludicrous in its own right, but it's done in such a playful and self-aware way, that you can't help but chuckle and go along for the ride.
I loved the idea that there are rules to this incredibly simple method of time travel. Never forwards, only backwards; and the true dangers of what might happen are laid bare in a very intelligent and heartfelt way.
The second thing that it did well was the theme. The subtle message that we receive at the end of this movie can be found in every book on mindfulness, Buddhism, religion, self-help book, and basically anywhere else where someone claims to know the meaning of true happiness.
In a movie about time travel, you would expect there to be many selfish attempts to attain wealth, fame, and sex (although there is one scene where this is used to great effect). About time, however, doesn't bash you over the head with the clichÃ© boy-talk idea of what time travel is for. It approaches it in a mature, and yet intriguing way where on occasion you are unsure where the path will lead, but when you arrive you realise you probably should have trusted the main character a little more.
I won't reveal what the theme was or how it affects those who witness it on quite a deep level, but I will say that you will have heard it before from someone, and thought 'well everyone knows that', but we just forget, every time that is how we should be living our lives.
There are parts where the plot could have used more work and the movie seemed to stagnate. The sub-plot with the protagonist's sister, for instance, was a little stale and I didn't really feel as sorry for her as the writers wanted me to. I was also not really conflicted at all throughout the plot to the degree where I was squirming in my seat, or really gulping for fear of the unknown.
These are not major criticisms, though, the movie played it safe and I was a happy observer. I felt the tone was soft and fluffy, the characters were animated and interesting: my favourite has to be the uncle who I felt stole the show whenever he had screen time, great character.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 hour run time, and I would definitely do it again with close friends just to show them what a gem it is and discuss what they felt about the interwoven message.