Timeline

Review by Clint Morris

There hasn’t been a good time-travelling movie in quite some time, and if Richard Donner’s Timeline is any indication, we’re going to have to wait just that little bit longer...

A group of archaeologists working to unearth a 14th century castle in the Dordogne Valley of France - Professor Edward Johnson (Billy Connolly), Andre Marek (Gerard Butler), Johnson’s son Chris (Paul Walker), Kate (Frances O'Connor), Stern (Ethan Embry) and Francois (Rossif Sutherland) – earn their money and then some when inquisitive Dad Edward is whisked off back in time to 1357 France, and the rest have to jump through a time-travelling device and save him.

Easier said than done though.

Once there, they discover they’ve been transported to the day that the English defeat the French in a huge “Knights of the Round Table” style battle.

Based on the book by Michael Crichton but resembling more a feature length episode of Television’s “Sliders”, Donner’s film is as silly as it gets.

For one, sending Paul Walker – the blonde surfer-type from the Fast and the Furious series - back to the 14th Century is likely to have not only him, but anyone kicking around him, speared to death.

He’s not exactly the finest choice for the film – especially if you want an ounce of credibility. In fact, Walker travelling through time summons up memories of a young Keanu Reeves in the guise of Bill and Ted.

And secondly, concentrating much more on the scientific element of the story, in particular how time-travelling works, the book’s being totally put to one side whilst Richard Donner and screenwriters Jeffrey Maguire and George Nolfi slyly substitute character detail and plot with slick set design, pretty boys and predicability.

But to Donner’s films merit, Timeline is entertaining. It’s silly, sure, but it’s enjoyably silly. It’s packed with adventure, romance, drama, thrills and an interesting ensemble cast, and for most of the film’s near two-hour running time, it’s an indebted ‘leave your brain at the door’ escape.

Perfect Saturday afternoon matinee fodder.

3 out of 5

Timeline
Australian release: Thursday February 5th
Cast: Paul Walker, Billy Connolly, Gerard Butler, Frances O’Connor, Ethan Embry, Rossif Sutherland, David Thewlis.
Director: Richard Donner.
Website: Click here.