An interesting addition to the time travel genre

Rating: 9/10 (27 May 2004)

I really enjoyed this. I was having a bit of a time travel day, having watched "The Final Countdown" (yeah, I know), on DVD in the morning and then this at the flicks in the afternoon. I came to it with no expectations and walked away happily surprised.
The film's premise is intelligent and well executed. It's been said before that time travel is only possible in the mind, due to the physical stresses it would put on the human body if attempted any other way. The film takes this idea and runs with it. We are never given compete answers as to why Evan possesses this ability. It is hinted that he has inherited it from his father, perhaps as some kind of brain anomaly. But as a child, at times of great stress he blacks out and in later life discovers the significance of this.
The story is very brave at confronting many of the horrific issues in society; paedophilia, prostitution, childhood sadism, male sexual abuse, physical disability, and their effects on the individual. It doesn't sensationalise them but shows the long term results that such actions will have. In this respect it's thought provoking and hopefully illuminating.
The actors are excellent, especially Amy Smart who undergoes the most radical transformations during the course of the movie.
The one scene which didn't ring true to me was Evan's over the top reaction when the brother of his girlfriend confronts him on the college campus. I understand that this course of events was needed to further the story, but it just seems suddenly out of character for Evan.
There is a very nice touch though, which shows the degree to which the story has otherwise been thought through. After returning from every time trip, Evan's brain grows new synapse pathways, creating new memories to fill in the gaps as his actions have changed history. A painful process which portrays how he is going against the natural order of things.
So a very enjoyable and interesting film about being careful what you wish for and the importance of thinking through your actions. I recommend it.