Rip in Time

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.

Torrey Devitto has never been more beautiful, warm and alluring. She positively glowed, and Niall Matter was charming as a character with old timey manners and speech patterns from the 1700s. And I loved the script by C. Jay Cox (who wrote Sweet Home Alabama with Reese Witherspoon and last year's Hallmark gem- Love Strikes Twice).

It's a "fish out of water" time travel tale that's been done countless times before, and in many different ways, but that's because this kind of story is often quite entertaining. Rip in Time is a nice, pleasant, easy going version of the old movie trope, and it's a lot less creepy than the new Time Traveler's Wife series (ugh). It's like a reverse Outlander without all the disturbing, cruel, and hard to watch nastiness on that show. It reminded me of A Timeless Christmas, with Erin Cahill, and Ryan Paevey, which I also liked.

The script had some clever bits about modern mores and the evolution of a woman's role in society. Devitto's Sarah is written as a strong, brave, self assured, kind, confident woman who at one point initiates a scene that struck me as an homage to the "it's still not over" scene from The Notebook. Unfortunately, the scene where Rip noted how "flawed" Thomas Jefferson had been in excluding women from "all men are created equal", would have been a good time to point out how flawed and hypocritical it was for him to own slaves. That was a missed opportunity.

In order to enjoy these kinds of movies you need to buy into the fantasy and hope the story is as "realistic" as possible within that fantasy construct. And, for the most part, Rip in Time succeeds, except for the "leg injury" which would have manifested far worse symptoms. I also wondered why no one took Rip to a dentist to confirm he had no modern fillings. Heck, his teeth would likely have been in pretty bad shape. Also, I doubt he would have had access to a quill pen and ink in 2022. But these are minor quibbles.

The story was strong, the conflict wasn't over done, and I actually sympathized with the cop even though he was the token "bad guy" (although he really wasn't a bad guy- he truly cared and, let's face it, Rip's story was bonkers).

Another solid win for Hallmark. I hope we get more good stories from C. Jay Cox and I'd love to see more Torrey Devitto (loved her in Write Before Christmas)

8.0 stars.

I've seen a few fantastic time travel movies by Hallmark so far, and this is one. I'd say Hallmark has the time travel concept ironed out and I don't have to cross my fingers every time one pops up in my DVR. That being said, I really enjoyed this movie, so much that I strongly recommend it.

The story is about a soldier from 250 years ago who fought in the revolutionary war and is mysteriously transported through time to 2022. He brings an authentic representation of a man from that era. There are very few inconsistencies as far as I can see. I am a stickler for the details, and for that aspect "Rip in Time" meets my approval. Yes, there are times after the mid point that Rip seems to be familiar with current jargon and slang, but maybe he is a quick study. I was entertained non-stop with his portrayal of the man being introduced to a world where electricity, tractors, and skyscrapers are commonplace, but to him seem apocalyptic.

A psychiatrist examines him and her professional opinion is intriguing, and I'd like to believe that would be the case in the real world. Most likely her opinion would be ignored and he would just be shrugged off as a delusional man needing medication.

What I found most appealing about this film is the chemistry between the leads, and how her son and father fit seamlessly into the plot. There are many opportunities to expand this story and make a sequel if Hallmark wants.

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.