 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Time Traveler's Wife
- Review Date: August 13, 2009
- PG-13
- Genre: Romance
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Tearjerker is too gloomy for tweens and younger teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this tearjerker, though romantic, may prove too gloomy for tweens and younger teens. The central couple shares a powerful love, but their relationship is constantly tested, sometimes to the breaking point, and there are few moments of levity. Expect some nudity (though primarily in a non-sexual context), swearing ("s--t" is the strongest word used), and a few bloody, though not gory, scenes. There’s also discussion of heavy topics like free will, miscarriage, death, and losing a parent.
What's the story?
Clare (Rachel McAdams) and Henry (Eric Bana) are star-crossed lovers who meet and are torn apart by a unique genetic condition that arbitrarily sends him time traveling. When they first meet (from her perspective, anyway), he’s in his thirties and she’s still a young girl -- but they form an unlikely friendship that transcends space and time. And, eventually (or, from the start, from his perspective), they wind up together. But even their tremendous love may not be enough to sustain a relationship hobbled by Henry’s sudden absences and Clare’s longing for a stable life.
Is it any good?
For a film about the metaphysical, THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE is curiously lacking in energy. It starts out far too explanatory, like a wannabe friend who overshares. While it’s true that the audience needs prodding given the material -- how to make time travel approachable? -- it nevertheless seems questionable to keep inserting explanations that have been heard before. (For instance, why Henry keeps stealing clothes wherever he turns up.)
The time-travel jump cuts make the film all the more befuddling, and although Henry’s supposed to morph in age from one time period to the next, all that ever seems to change is how many wrinkles he sports and how gray his hair gets. It’s not until midway through the movie, when questions about Henry’s genetic makeup arise, that the film begins to really transport you -- and, by the end, it does get very emotional. (How can it not, given the heavy tugging? After all, the melancholic piano is cued at every tragic turn.) But still, somehow the end result is more tepid than tearjerking.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what keeps Clare and Henry connected despite all of their difficulties. Is their life together believable? Would Clare really stay with Henry when he's so unpredictable? How does their relationship compare to other movie pairings you've seen?
Does the film handle the topic of time travel believably (as much as is possible, that is)? Does it seem like a benefit or a curse?
If you've read the book, how do you think the movie compares? What are some of your favorite books-turned-movies?
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AGE
Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
Good movie, it was sad though. some parts were a little iffy but overall good movie
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AGE
Overall a good movie
It was a good movie, i honestly think that it had a few scenes that had slight gore was there such as, well that would be a spolier, but i suggest you watch it. The most sexual content is when it shows they're rears and when they make out (even though the lady got pregent it didn't show anything)
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AGE
read the book too!
this movie was awesome! one bad scene but not that bad. read the book too!
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AGE
Read The Book First
I read the book and want to see this movie. I think it should be iffy for 14 because (if it follows the book) there is a lot of sex and drugs involved. Also some swearing. Very good book though!! P.S. The rating is for the BOOK! NOT the movie! :)
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AGE
OMG
it is a amazing film. it really hits you. EVERYONE SHOULD SEE IT !
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AGE
the time traveler's wife is epic!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!
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AGE
A bit confusing, but definitely a must see for anyone 13+
It was kind of confusing at the beginning, but you get into it eventually.
VERY sad, I bought kleenex at walmart first, and it's a good thing I did!
My friend and I went to see it, and loved it.
Definitely for romantics.
You do see the back of a naked man, and two people are implied having sex (lying in a bed, but covered by sheets). A pregnant woman is in the bathtub, but you just see from the neck up, and her belly above the water. A man has a vasectomy. Really, not too bad. I mean, there has been worse.
Henry and Clare are great role models, it definitely shows how love can work if people make it.
The two would definitely do anything for each other.
There is blood, as she miscarries, but there's eventually a beautiful little baby, and it's all good.
Oh, until Henry gets shot in the side and you see his bleeding body a couple of times. Frostbitten black foot.
Some scenes might be a bit scary for younger kids (like my little sister would think it was gross when he gets shot and everything).
Definitely for anyone 13+. Part of the issue: I'm not sure anyone under 13 could follow the plot well enough. I had a little trouble, even. And I'm usually good about that type of thing.
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Kid, 1 year old
January 29, 2011
AGE
not for kids under 13 thats why its pg 13
this movie is crud too inapropiate
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| Studio: | New Line |
| Director: | Robert Schwentke |
| Cast: | Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston |
| Genre: | Romance |
| Run time: | 107 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 14, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | February 9, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic elements, brief disturbing images, nudity and sexuality |
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