A Wrinkle in Time

 A Wrinkle in Time

Starring Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling

Directed by Ava DuVernay

The Story:
Thirteen-year-old Meg Murry (Storm Reid) is still reeling from the disappearance of her astrophysicist father Dr. Alex Murry (Chris Pine) four years ago, and has become a secluded, ridiculed girl who doesn't trust anyone and doesn't see the joy in anything, despite having an always optimistic younger brother Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe).

On the four-year anniversary of her father's disappearance, Meg is visited by the mysterious Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon), the wise Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling), and the regal Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), who inform her that her father is alive and trapped in the universe at the hands of an evil entity known as IT.  Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and Meg's friend Calvin (Levi Miller) are taken across the universe by the women in hopes of finding her father, while also learning important life lessons about acceptance, love, and being a light in the darkness.

The Synopsis:
Children's author Madeleine L'Engle wrote "A Wrinkle in Time" in 1962, centering on important Christian ideals of love, forgiveness, and light overcoming the darkness (Mrs. Who, who can only communicate through other peoples' words, even quotes the Bible).  Due to its fantastical nature, it was deemed as a book that could never be fully realized on the big screen, but an attempt was made for a television movie in 2003 with disastrous results.  Then director Ava DuVernay (who directed the stellar "Selma") decided to tackle the material and churn out a film that's more universal and doesn't have a lot in common with the original source material - but then again I hardly ever compare the movie to the book, mostly because I never read the book.  The result is a film that welcomes all races, types, and themes but when you try to please everyone, it sometimes turns around and you instead please no one.

While this film has gotten a lot of flack, I personally enjoyed myself through it.  Yes, the film is a simple explosion of CGI everywhere, but it's still beautiful to look at and vividly colorful.  The central theme is as important now more than ever in dealing with loving yourself and valuing family above work, while showcasing how the flaws in each of us help make us stronger instead of weakening us.  Here, it's almost a simplistic solution to the world's problems - love, instead of hate.  The evil entity here is every bad impulse we have as humans - guilt, jealousy, low self-esteem, doubt - and the way to combat it is love: love for yourself, and love for others.

So what is the biggest issue with this film?  Besides the fact that it strays so far from the original source material, there's an odd simplicity to the film that makes it rather dull and obsolete - then again, it is geared for children, so maybe it works for them.  Despite the heartfelt message, it's delivered through muddied means with outlandish CGI that sometimes work beautifully (such as when they arrive on the first universe) or crashes and burns (when one of the women turn into a flying piece of cabbage that also resembles a Pokemon monster).  It's a lovey-dovey film with heart and emotion, one that might not be welcomed by many hardened viewers, but that's not fair to them either - it is simple, it is pandering, it is emotional, and it doesn't make any qualms about it.

The actors all do superior jobs in their roles.  Oprah Winfrey commands as the leader of the women, who's filled with wisdom and advice, stern yet loving in the same manner.  Mindy Kaling is adorable as Mrs. Who, who can only speak from quotes from other people, and Reese Witherspoon laughs it up as Mrs. Whatsit, who has the most character out of the three, who constantly doubts Meg's ability while offering her own brand of quips and shade.  Chris Pine shines as Meg's father, and shows a sensitivity we haven't seen from him in film yet.

Then there's the children, who all give everything they have into the project.  Storm Reid is a pure revelation, portraying Meg as a tough girl who doesn't allow anyone inside in order to protect herself, but also shows sincere vulnerability and in a truly tender moment, shows us that she is still just a little girl.  Levi Miller's Calvin is easily the least developed character, who joins Meg and Charles Wallace just because, despite hardly knowing them, but he also showcases heart.  Then there's the young Deric McCabe's Charles Wallace, who honestly was the only character I couldn't stand.   He was either shouting his lines in an obnoxious tone, or trying to be stern and serious and just coming off as laughable.

The costumes and makeup here are beautiful, and easily the best part of the entire film.  The three women are adorned in colorful attire, and their makeup is exquisite and eloquent.  The CGI at moments are sheer beauty, and then sheer terribleness depending on the situation and location, and becomes the most distracting part.

Still, despite the good and the bad, the film does a solid job at delivering its message, and it's one I hope people pick up on - we need to be better people, love more, and defeat the darkness in the world and in ourselves.

The Summary:
Despite being a mixed bag, "A Wrinkle in Time" tells an important story for everyone to learn, especially the younger generation who are eagerly seeking their own way in the world.

The Score: B+