Four teens discover how to travel through time, but experience difficulties in “Project Almanac.” The film stars Jonny Weston, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Allen Evangelista and Sam Lerner.
When it comes to sci-fi films, time travel is one of the hardest subjects to tackle. You have to be innovative and give a never-before-seen feel.
“Project Almanac“ is a contemporary adventure with no believable drama.
On his way to academic success, boy genius David Raskin stumbles upon a home video from his past while looking through his deceased father’s effects. In the video, he spots himself at his current age.
While dealing with both how he will afford his tuition at the prestigious MIT and how to speak to the girl of his dreams, David elicits the help of his sister and friends and starts to build a time machine.
However, what seems like good fun and games at the start soon turns into a frightening nightmare when time starts to change drastically and violently.
“Project Almanac,” directed by Dean Israelite, stars Jonny Weston, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Allen Evangelista, Sam Lerner and Virginia Gardner.
I will say that the whole found footage concept is a very novel idea. However, it is being overused, not as much as 3D, but it is almost certainly getting there. While I still say that the 2012 film, “Chronicle” is the best film in this category as of yet, “Project X” is definitely a close second.
Between putting together a good group of up-and-coming actors and showcasing the overall fun involved while messing with time travel, Israelite shows promise in his first project as a director.
The actors show a whole host of characters ranging from insanity to charisma, which is impressive for a group of novice actors.
Where they mess up, however, is when they channel too much of their energy into teenage shenanigans. These characters are college-age at best.
It is easy to blame the actors for this, but the script is where most of the blame falls.
If everything else were to fail in a film like this, the script would have to be the glue that held it together.
Take the scenario I just suggested and turn it around and you will have exactly what stunted this film. The script is the main piece holding this film back.
It does give you the satisfaction of revenging bullies, making memories and getting the girl. Those parts are relatable, but the drama is almost non-existent.
When you meddle with an intensely and potentially cataclysmic subject such as time travel, you must have believable moments of true drama.
Also, what is up with no great twists in sci-fi films these days? Those are the best parts.
Even with the explosions everywhere, action director Michael Bay producing the film, “Project Almanac,” fails due to the writing.
As far as whether to see it or not, I say see it because it does give a new and interesting take on time travel. But do not get your hopes up that something amazing will come before your eyes.
Story by John Gruccio, Contributing writer