ReRun

ReRun is a film that has elements from It's A Wonderful Life but is very much it's own thing. It shows that if one doesn't learn from the past one is doomed to repeat it, but in this case, one must repeat their past quite literally.

The film starts with an elderly George Benson, played brilliantly by veteran actor Christopher Lloyd, at a future Christmas reminiscing about his past youth, specifically focusing on one young woman who he hadn't let go of, despite him marrying and having a family. His grandson Nicholas, played by newcomer Rishon Salters, reveals that his closet can take anyone wherever they want in time. Letting his curiosity getting the better of him, George enters the closet and comes out on the other side as a younger version of himself at a past Christmastime. He's back with his fiance Mary, his old crush Violet and her abusive boyfriend Frank. Now while George isn't exactly back for a do-over, he does get to see his past with a fresh eye and with at least seventy years worth of hindsight behind him.

It is refreshing to see a film about time travel that doesn't have any big goals to achieve or a time limit on someone disappearing or not. While viewing this film, you may find yourself relaxing while watching it, and I haven't felt that with a time travel film, since I saw Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. This film also boasts of a well-rounded cast with the talented Christopher Lloyd and uprising talent of Rishon Salters, their scenes together are some of the best moments in this film, along with the young adult cast as they simply navigate through life and that's nice to see. It's nothing complicated, no big plot, no real villain (just a jerk or two), it's just a slice of life and that's nice to see every once in a while.

ReRun is a film where everyone can get something out of it. Adults can enjoy the elements of reliving their youth, teenagers can get a taste of what life may or may not be as they become adults and everyone can enjoy the positive spirit this film brings up as Christmastime always does.

ReRun is a unique film among independent features. Managing to bring nuanced and poignant flourishes to a time traveling sci fi, with solid technique throughout. A touching film for the whole family.

What a train wreck. If Christopher Lloyd went back in time 60 years, that would have put him in 1958. That would match his age portrayed, but nothing else. The cars, the clothes, the dialogue, the HIV/Aids scare etc., are all from at least 20 years later...sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. That's the glaring technical issue, but the bottom line is that this film is also slow and boring. I expected so much more.

I am a subtitlist, and this was one of my assignments. While a blissfully easy movie to subtitle, it was definitely not an easy movie to watch. The supposed timeline is extremely confusing, is the old man supposed to be living in the far future? Clothing and styles aside, young George has a smartphone and modern laptops and everything, so does this mean his past is just present day? Also aside from that being mega confusing, literally nothing seems to be happening halfway in, and individual scenes also feel confusing and disjointed. It is kind of excruciating to get through.

It started with a pretty good idea. And Christopher Lloyd acted his part well. Unfortunately, he was only in it for a few minutes at the beginning in the end.

The concept was simple that adore into the closet could lead to the past. And from there I have no idea what the point was. The main character basically mumbled his way to an hour of flirting and sleeping around or finally, deciding he loved his future life. I guess that's it.

The dialogue seemed really strange, where people were making references of being self-aware that George time traveled. The time travel cop was pretty bad. Whenever she showed up and spoke, it was full body cringe.

I wanted to like this movie. But I feel that even two stars is pretty generous. Just didn't really have a point and go anywhere. Other than maybe what you think our regrets might not be.