Rip in Time

'Rip in Time' (2022)

Opening thoughts: The 2022 Hallmark Movies and Mysteries block was a mixed bag. While there were hits such as 'North to Home' and 'The Presence of Love', there was also duds like 'Cut, Color, Murder'. While time travel is not a new concept for Hallmark, it is something that has worked remarkably well in the past and is actually yet to feel stale. Torrey DeVitto and Niall Matter have been very watchable and more in other things, so expectations were high actually for 'Rip in Time'.

Luckily, 'Rip in Time' did not disappoint. Of the 2022 Hallmark Movies and Mysteries films, it is one of the best and the most refreshing, seeing as it is different to what is typically seen in Hallmark's Hallmark Movies and Mysteries films. 2022 was a year that saw a lot of recycled ideas that varied wildly in execution. As said, the time travel concept is not new for Hallmark, but there was something about how 'Rip in Time' approaches it that felt fresh. After seeing a large number of Hallmark films with over familiar execution of samey formulas, this was a relief.

Bad things: Did feel that it felt a little too rushed at the end, where the imagination also goes and the films wraps up conventionally and a bit too neatly.

Also did feel that the quantum physics explanation was not particularly necessary and maybe a little more complicated than it should have been.

Good things: However, it is a very attractively photographed film with lovely scenery with effects that didn't look amateurish at all. Also pleasant is the music, which has presence without coming over as over-bearing or too constant. The direction shows a good deal of confidence and a sense that they knew what they were doing and trying to achieve. The script flows well and is light hearted, witty and nostalgic, shining particularly in the hilarious and affectionate references and the lead banter. Which has a lot of playful wit and not over-hostility heavy.

Furthermore, the story has a lot of heart and charm, and has a nice liveliness too. While not innovative, the time travel element never comes over as confusing or cheap. The characters were ones worth caring for, and DeVitto and Matter are very confident and charming in the lead roles and have a strong spark together. Actually got the sense they enjoyed working together. The supporting cast are solid.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very good.

8/10.

Rip in Time felt like a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie from years ago. C. Jay Cox wrote a wonderful script directed beautifully by Jessica Harmon. The casting was perfect. Niall Matter gave a very nuanced performance as Rip and his chemistry with Torrey Devitto felt natural as did his chemistry with Eric Keenleyside and Joshua Black.

They even filmed part of the movie in New York-how great is that!

Loved it so much I actually didn't want it to end-haven't had that happen with a Hallmark movie in a while.

I know that's not necessarily saying a lot, but this one was so well done. Greta acting by Torrey DeVitto and Niall Matter and the supporting cast. A script by C. Jay Cox that was funny and clever. Wonderful understated directing that didn't try to get in the way of the story. Will watch again.

Im not realy into Hallmark movies, but this one was such a sweet cool time travel one. The actors are likeable and it has a good story, it reminds me of the man from earth and is very dialog driven which I like.

Really enjoyed this. It was engaging & nicely written. It was not the usual Hallmark formula and I think it gave Niall Matter a chance to really shine & stretch his talent.