ReRun is a film that has elements from It's A Wonderful Life but is very much it's own thing. It shows that if one doesn't learn from the past one is doomed to repeat it, but in this case, one must repeat their past quite literally.
The film starts with an elderly George Benson, played brilliantly by veteran actor Christopher Lloyd, at a future Christmas reminiscing about his past youth, specifically focusing on one young woman who he hadn't let go of, despite him marrying and having a family. His grandson Nicholas, played by newcomer Rishon Salters, reveals that his closet can take anyone wherever they want in time. Letting his curiosity getting the better of him, George enters the closet and comes out on the other side as a younger version of himself at a past Christmastime. He's back with his fiance Mary, his old crush Violet and her abusive boyfriend Frank. Now while George isn't exactly back for a do-over, he does get to see his past with a fresh eye and with at least seventy years worth of hindsight behind him.
It is refreshing to see a film about time travel that doesn't have any big goals to achieve or a time limit on someone disappearing or not. While viewing this film, you may find yourself relaxing while watching it, and I haven't felt that with a time travel film, since I saw Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. This film also boasts of a well-rounded cast with the talented Christopher Lloyd and uprising talent of Rishon Salters, their scenes together are some of the best moments in this film, along with the young adult cast as they simply navigate through life and that's nice to see. It's nothing complicated, no big plot, no real villain (just a jerk or two), it's just a slice of life and that's nice to see every once in a while.
ReRun is a film where everyone can get something out of it. Adults can enjoy the elements of reliving their youth, teenagers can get a taste of what life may or may not be as they become adults and everyone can enjoy the positive spirit this film brings up as Christmastime always does.
