Lifeline

I didn't make this movie to the end. I got too bored.

The synopsis seemed good. A suicide-prevention call-center worker gets a strange call from someone who seems to know all about him. The setting puts him all alone on New Years Eve. I also like the lead actor, who starred in the much-superior "The Collector."

I thought the movie would've worked as a straight popcorn flick: he just gets a call from some deranged person or evil supernatural entity. That's the easy direction that they could (and should) have gone to make a fun flick. Instead, they go in another direction , with all sort of flashbacks to the main character's childhood. I won't spoil, but the mysterious caller represents some sort of psychological message (or something alone those lines). There's just talk and talk and talk

Again, I tuned out around the 45-min mark

3/10.

This is my life. This is the trajectory that I followed to here, and here, I am happy. And I able to help others find their way, but then, something clicks, an unforeseen connection. I'm as lost as he is because this can't be real, and I know my past. But my past is not his, and everything is changing from the simplest things to a lost ring to the scars that I never had but now do. I can't break the connection because it has found its way from one moment in time to where I am now, and now I am held hostage to the vibrations rattling everything that I know, all that I am. They don't know who I am, but the connection remains. I beg him to change his mind, correct the course of time. Maybe, I'm reaching him, but then, another click. And the walls come crashing down, but I'm still here, still holding on to the life that I know I lived. But where will his path leave me?

Josh Stewart is one of those excellent, under rated actors but in Lifeline he really gets the chance to shine. This is a thought provoking movie that combines drama and science fiction, as it explores the ideas of parallel dimensions and the question "what if........" While a little slow going at first it builds and becomes a fascinating look at one man's life and choices. It is not a feel good movie but it's ultimately satisfying because it offers up multiple outcomes to the situations we face in life and how we handle them. The movie is well written and directed and I enjoyed it although I went in knowing nothing except that Josh is the star. He always plays interesting roles, and if you're a fan of his, this is a must see.

Brady Morrell and Brian Price have written a superb screenplay, and despite the dark themes of childhood trauma and suicide, the writers manage to convey a message of hope and human sympathy. It draws one in from the very beginning and sustains the viewers emotional engagement throughout. The acting is really excellent, while the main actor, Josh Stewart, is especially credible in the demanding role of the suicide hotline host. The supporting cast is equally up the task of maintaining the dramatic intensity throughout. Morell and Price have done a truly remarkable job in crafting a very satisfying and indeed enriching drama.

Sometimes all we need is to hear a familiar story. This one is quite touching.

A well executed film with a very solid performance from the lead, which is quite relevant seeing how intimate the whole setting is, almost completely resting upon his shoulders. Unfortunately, the script is trying to be a bit too clever for its own good, putting too much focus on certain details which just distract from what it's really about. Regardless, "Lifeline" as a whole manages to get its emotion through and it's definitely worth your time.

I probably wouldn't mind watching it once again in the future if I feel this is the story someone really needs to hear.