Project Almanac

Synopsis: David Raskin (Jonny Weston) wants to get into M.I.T. When his application results in only a partial scholarship, he starts rummaging through his dead father’s things to come up with something more impressive. He finds a video camera that shows his present self at his own 7th birthday. Further rummaging uncovers the beginnings of a time machine and he and his friends set to work finishing it.

I kinda hate found footage films. The Blair Witch Project was a fairly inspired concept in its day but we’ve been on a mostly downhill slope since then. I thought they were done when South Park parodied the technique. I was wrong. So it’s surprising to find a film that doesn’t really use the technique to any better effect yet is quite entertaining. There’s still a few stupid credibility-stretching bits where any sane person would have left their camera behind long ago but mostly it’s not too bad. It’s a fairly intelligent time travel story. And just like its filmic style, in that respect isn’t breaking new ground but it uses its premise effectively.

The thing I loved most is that the characters, teenagers at high school, act like teenagers at high school. Their ambitions for their new found power don’t stretch too far; passing a failed chemistry presentation, getting revenge on bullies, going to concerts they missed, and winning the lottery. Seriously, the lottery bit is really funny. And of course, there’s the big one, going back to that point in time where you missed the cue that really cute girl gave you and giving yourself a second chance with her. Playing with the good intentions, bad judgement and emotional instability of being a teen, those actions have unforeseen consequences and the film turns the screw as consequence after consequence ripples out as David keeps trying to undo the damage he causes while still trying to keep the girl.

With so many time travel films around already, it didn’t feel like the world needed another one. After all, in a world where Bill and Ted, Doc and Marty, and Aaron and Abe exist, what more need be said on the topic? Project Almanac answers that question and delivers a film you didn’t know you wanted, but are glad to have found. With good characters, an interesting plot and a few smart red herrings, it’s definitely worth your time. And if you don’t know who Aaron and Abe are, watch Primer (you may need to watch it a few times…).

 

 

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