Timeline - Paul walker - Movie review

Released the day before Thanksgiving in November of 2003... look, I still have my original ticket stub from that afternoon! -- this science-fiction adventure film sadly only earned back half of its $80-million dollar budget. Director Richard Donner does an excellent job adapting the story, based on the novel by acclaimed writer Michael Crichton, which features a mysterious group of well-funded scientists who inadvertently discover a wormhole to 1357 medieval France. The first 30 minutes are extremely intriguing, and well paced; perfectly establishing the characters and consequences in a believable way. The plot follows a group of resourceful archeologists who volunteer for a rescue mission, traveling back in time 646 years to save a missing colleague. Early in each of their respective careers, this 116-minute movie stars Paul, Frances O'Connor, Gerard Butler, and Neal McDonough, while Ethan Embry, Michael Sheen, Billy Connolly, Anna Friel, and David Thewlis make up the giant supporting cast with effective performances. In parallel narratives, one set in during the 100-year-war, and the other in a New Mexican science facility, both groups of protagonists are in a literal race against time, else they're trapped forever in the past, especially after Thewlis resigns to failure, coldly asking, "How many lives has been lost on the cutting edge of Discovery?". Now, I'm a sucker for a good time travel story... and this script commendably adheres to a fixed-timeline universe - something that pays off with an awesome final scene - but to be honest, a lot of the medieval stuff isn't particularly fascinating. As with most sci-fi, some suspension of disbelief is required, especially regarding the action-packed plot, which supposedly all takes place within just six-hours, despite being filled with plenty of chases, escapes, battles, and romantic entanglements. Due to unfortunate studio pressure resulting in a re-edit, the film's original score by Jerry Goldsmith, in what would be that renowned composers final work, was replaced by Brian Tyler, who does manage to provide a very lively and appropriate sound to the film, if forgettable. A simple, and easy picture to follow, the cinematography here is solid, and the limited amount of visual effects are also handled well. Rarely impressive, and even a bit hackneyed at times, this PG-13 rated picture is still extremely fun, tightly constructed, and decently memorable. I've watched it every five years since its release, and will likely continue to do so. "Timeline", "Interesting premise with exciting action." Now let's read some of your comments from the YouTube comments. "Timeline"'s score on the Rate-o-matic: a SIX and an EIGHT. Some mixed opinions for this picture. While some of you enjoyed the action adventure, others critcized the ho-hum execution, rating it a GOOD. Upon re-watching it recently, this picture is definitely better than I remember. Despite being undemanding and shallow, it's a an enjoyable two hours, I think it's GREAT.