Time Lapse (2014) Reviews

• A Balanced Review

  johnbkaramazov2015-01-06

  I spent the first part of this film umming and ahing as to whether or not I was enjoying it, but towards the end I was totally gripped and at the end I absolutely loved it. The story and pacing of this film are practically perfect, making it a definite winner in my book, but any prospective viewers might benefit from being aware of a couple of things before they decide to watch. Firstly it looks kind of like a cheap made for TV movie. Some of the camera shots are creative and well thought out but the whole thing just oozes film-making on a budget, and some people might find that hard to get past. The style reminded me of the remake they did of The Outer Limits in the 90s, rather than a film from 2014. Also, much like the aforementioned series the incidental music is horribly generic and uninspired (but thankfully used pretty sparsely.) The acting is mediocre from the three leads. Some people will find this grating, so prepare yourself. They won't be winning any Academy Awards anytime soon for their performances, trust me. So why should you definitely watch this movie? Because despite the clunky dialogue and wooden acting the plot is entertaining, unfolds brilliantly and is executed just about as perfectly as a plot can be executed in a movie. It is a wonderfully self-contained story that builds to a satisfying denouement and keeps you guessing and totally gripped along the way. If you go into this movie expecting every aspect to be amazing, you're probably going to be disappointed. Instead bear in mind the criticisms above and trust that despite these weaknesses it is an uncommonly enjoyable watch and well worth an hour and forty minutes of your time.

• Very impressive small budget sci-fi thriller

  MattyGibbs2014-11-17

  Time lapse is an independent film about a group of friends who discover a camera that can take pictures of the future. It's a nice concept and is executed very well. This is only a small budget film with few special effects, instead it relies on a sharp script, good acting and an interesting story. It doesn't take long to set the scene and is always interesting. As things go from bad to worse for the three friends there are a number of tense scenes and some surprising plot turns. As the film is set in one location it really requires strong performances from the cast and thankfully all three leads excellent as are all the supporting cast. This is a clever, impressive and very entertaining film which really shows what can be done with a limited budget. This film deserves a much higher profile and I would expect it's current rating of 6.9 from 437 votes to increase over time. Highly recommended.

• A highly enjoyable little gem of a science fiction thriller

  bob-larrance2015-01-16

  Time lapse is a very well-made and entertaining little movie, something that should satisfy the average science fiction/thriller fan. The three leads all perform at a high level. Matt O'Leary as a young artist is appropriately fragile, Danielle Panabaker is not the 'good girl' you might assume from her appearance and George Finn conveys real menace in his portrayal as their friend, sinister from the middle point on. Settings are simple but effective and the atmosphere is well held together by the staging and the clean production. There won't be any awards for set decoration but it works and isn't a distraction to the story. Unlike many low budget efforts it doesn't have that 'cheap scenery' feeling at all. The lean script has enough science in it to work, but not too much to make it muddled. You aren't going to cheat on your next physics project by borrowing from this movie but you won't be offended by the theory in play. The good news about the story is that it works and by the end of the experience you will feel entertained with intelligent and clever writing. Your brain will be teased by this film. There are several dark moments in the movie that show some real Hitchcock influence, though a film maker worker in this milieu is wise to borrow from the master. In addition, from time to time the score swells into a legitimate (though very minor) homage to Bernard Hermann. Again, a very good idea. The windup is complete and clean, revelations during the body of the film become evidence that tickle with satisfaction as it ends. Low budget, but you aren't going to feel like you are watching some derivative film school project. This is a good movie with young actors creating their own characters. I think almost all viewers will find it artistically fresh. This is the first work I have seen from this director and after seeing Time Lapse I will look for his name for future entertainment, along with the names of his young stars. When you find a film like this with unknown actors, a director you don't recognize and subject matter that could easily become boring you are forgiven if you don't fully commit to a full viewing when the streaming or broadcast starts. Personally, I gave it 15 minutes to prove itself when I began and was quickly stuck on it until the end. You should allow it to be the only content showing at the moment for you and your co-viewers, this is one to pay attention to in order to really enjoy. But, I think enjoyment is nearly a done deal.

• Tightly knit, well written, fast-paced thriller!

  dallasbagley2014-06-13

  I caught this film at the Seattle International Film Festival a couple weeks back. Film makers, as well as the cast were there, answered questions, pleasant experience over all. So here it is... We got 3 close friends, various character types, all sharing an apartment together. One of which is the property manager. Things happen regarding one of their tenants, provoking concern, and leading the manager to go check on this individual. Upon doing so, a massive contraption is discovered in this tenants apartment, radiating an ominous green light, with photos of the three main characters tacked about the wall. Upon brief research, they soon learn this to be a camera that takes pictures 24 hours in advance. Oh, and the camera is pointed directly at their living room. And with it being so massive and complex, they can't exactly bring it where ever they want. So it's in this living room, where they leave clues for their past selves. Obviously (like most would), they use this invention for person gain. One of the three has more of a selfish intent, while the other two sort of superficially resist for a brief moment. It's from there that this close-quarters-adventure begins. Things get out of hand, characters change, we get a few laughs, jumps and an unforeseen reveal in the third act (you probably won't see it coming). I personally thought the film to be brief, clean cut, tightly written and straight to the point. It's also in my opinion, highly marketable. The direction was concise, production was smart, and casting was thoughtful. Nothing about it felt pretentious in the least, and I'm thankful for that. I got a few minor nit picks, but I'm a critical prick, so don't be surprised. What makes the film good, far out weighs any minor short comings. See it.

• The problem with low budget is...

  randomStuff1012015-09-07

  The story often takes implausible leaps, filling in plot-holes with lazy writing in order to construct ridiculous scenarios, and ultimately an empty and pointless ending. Although there is of course a twist which is sort of interesting, but it comes late and by that time you might be over it. The idea of a camera taking pictures of the future is good, but they didn't capitalize on the idea or take it anywhere interesting. You can't help but roll your eyes at much of the movie. Your patience will be tested by the choices the characters make, and the direction the story goes. The premise that they must act out at all costs, what's in the 'future photo' is the first plot blunder. It's such a loose and vague idea that their lives are in danger if they don't do exactly what's in the photo, that you'll feel like throwing your shoe at the screen. "Fiction" isn't a free ride. Things should be believable in the context of the world the characters are in. This is where so many low budget independent films fail. The writers too inexperienced, or unable to tie everything together with plausible yet entertaining ideas. For example, the writers wanted a threatening bookie to cause a few problems for our main characters. So they have one of the characters make ridiculous decisions to bring that character into the mix. They could have simply used the lottery numbers instead, and made more money without raising suspicion. The cinematography is pretty good. Editing is fine. It's not 'awful' but the writing and concepts never get out of second gear. The story is stuck in "film school" mode and will appeal only to those looking for the bare minimum in entertainment.