Donovan's Echo

Outstanding performances by Danny Glover and Bruce Greenwood ground this interesting introspective investigation into déjà vu., time, and personal loss.

Well directed by Jim Cliffe, we see Glover's character Donovan slowly emerge from the fog of alcoholism, fighting to solve a mystery surrounding haunting déjà vu experiences. The viewer is drawn through this well constructed story at a very comfortable pace, with a sprinkle of humour that makes this drama extremely entertaining.

Donovan's Echo is multi-layered yet suitable for family viewing. It is bound to stimulate some interesting discussion afterwards.

Special mention must also be made of the very strong performance by Natasha Calis who plays Maggie.

With elements of an art-house film, Donovan's Echo will be remembered as THE sleeper indie success of 2011.

A Movie About Clairvoyance and One's Ability or Inability to Make Sense of it All and Connect the Dots for Some Kind of Understanding and Closure to Things that have Happened or Might Happen is the Complicated Plot of this Small Film from Canada.

It is Difficult to Process (things that go on in the mind and in dreams or precognition) and making it Intriguing and Mysterious to an Audience is not the Easiest Way to Make a Thriller. But when it is done Well it can Make for a Unique and Unusual Movie that is Welcomed in the Paranormal and Sci-Fi Genre.

The Premise can be Creepy and as the Viewer is Most Likely at Some Point in Their Lives through Dreams of Deja Vu can Latch On to it with an Uneasy Feeling Taken from the Uneasy Feeling that such Real Life Experiences can Bring On.

This isn't a Fully Rendered Film about Danny Glover's Frustrating Predicament and there are Coincidences a Plenty and a bit too many Contrivances to Accept, but the Movie does Manage to Draw You into its World of Wondering What's Up just Enough to Pass as a Low-Key, Well Acted, but Ultimately Boxed In Entertainment and So Restrained by its Budget and Running Time that it Seems Rushed, Confusing, and Shackled.

Overall, it is Definitely Worth a Watch for some Good Performances and an Interesting Story, but Fully Involved Fans of this Type of Thing will Most Likely End Up Wanting More than this can Deliver.

Those who have a keen interest in fate and karma will love the movie Donovan's Echo. Danny Glover stars as a man grieving for his wife and daughter's death. While he wallowed in alcohol for a time, he tries to get his act together with the support of his goof friend, policeman Bruce Greenwood (co-producer of the movie, too!). Then, he starts getting these psychic flashes about the future and the past. What do they mean? Is tragedy about to strike again, and can he stop it?

One tiny detail I found sad and realistic in this movie was the scene when Danny tries to get a job as a science professor. It doesn't matter how brilliant he is, or his lengthy employment history, his long gap of unemployment is all that stands out. The only job he's able to get is stocking shelves at a grocery store. He's repeatedly criticized and publicly humiliated by the store manager, which is so true to life. This brilliant man who cares for others is treated like garbage as he mops the floor of a grocery store; isn't that typical?

But back to the bulk of the movie. The story is strong, and the psychic flashes will keep you guessing all the way to the end. In another true to life element, when Danny shows interest in helping a little girl, her mother thinks he has nefarious intentions. Your heart really goes out to him in this movie. If you like these types of plots, add Premonition and Shuffle to your list.

DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. The psychic flashes sometimes have a strobing effect, and it will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"

Of course, Danny Glover does an amazing job. Kudos to Bruce Greenwood for producing the film and for his understated but essential performance. He often plays the villain but here he is the best friend a man--especially one experimenting with alcohol and deja vu--could have. The location ambiance (Canada, I assume) brings a brooding northern chill to the watcher while at the same time the sensitivity of Terry Frewer's music score wraps the whole film together with its achingly ethereal, warm, beautiful themes.

It's not a big high-concept car-chase adventure--it's an unexpected gem.

I just ran across this movie last night and decided to give it a look mainly because Danny Glover is in it. Very interesting movie to say the least. Definitely worth the watch if you haven't seen it.