At the Movies – “A Wrinkle in Time”

The Washington Post’s Alyssa Rosenberg discussed her difficulty in separating A Wrinkle In Time the movie from DuVernay’s worth as an activist and political commentator.

That makes it an emotionally powerful movie in the hands of director Ava DuVernay (“Selma”) and one that young people can deeply appreciate.

Obviously, the movie is based on a beloved childhood classic – one that some have said would be nearly impossible to film. Did you feel a sense of responsibility in doing it?

The only problem with the new “Wrinkle In Time” is that there isn’t enough of it.

While Pine, who’s not in much of the movie, is all bearded emotion as the troubled Mr. Murry, newcomer Reid lends a surprising amount of gravitas to Meg as she grows from distrusting shy girl to determined protagonist. I really appreciated that aspect of Ava.

With “A Wrinkle in Time’s” wrinkles lacking the crinkles, furrows and folds that make an effect-filled fantasy fantastic, I was able to sit back for most of it and ponder the depth of that statement. “The story is the same story, it’s just told with actors of a different hue”. In a time when we should also be making a special effort to give boys the tools they need to fight toxic male stereotypes, escape from oppressive expectations and embrace the differences that make them who they are, Calvin O’Keefe is definitely worthy of our time and attention. However, the movie shoots for the shallower end of that pool, which, given its rich source material, talented director, and stellar, diverse cast, makes it something of a letdown. No one knew I was working on it at the time.

Witherspoon plays Mrs. Whatsit, one of the three astral travelers who guides a young girl named Meg on her search for her father, who is lost in the universe. There are overtones of spirituality throughout.

I also like the way that the characters come to face their inner fears and isolation. However, the emotion doesn’t entirely register, despite presenting a story about a daughter desperately trying to find her father. We’re built on diversity, so the same goes in storytelling. This film takes some real creative chances. And I never thought of that. “In this film, Meg is the leader of her crew”. What more can we bring to the table? And, yes, this movie is ideal for 11 and 12 years olds as well as the 11 or 12 year olds inside of us.

There’s a feeling that lives within the movie.

“There hasn’t been anybody, anybody in the world I could talk to”, he says. There’s love in every frame of this film. I think you can feel it, honestly. The film could have used more “show, don’t tell” moments. Her self-doubt even made it hard for her on her inter-dimensional journey. Sure, the CGI isn’t great, but kids watch mediocre cartoons all the time. There are a lot of big ideas in it, a lot of big complex intellectual themes. I’d skip it and read the book instead. Is that important for you? Winfrey, Witherspoon and Kaling look like they are flailing, desperate for direction.