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 had very high hopes for this one, and I was not disappointed. It was written by C. J. Cox who penned one the best Hallmarks in recent years, Love Strikes twice, as well as the Reese Witherspoon favorite Sweet Home Alabama and Rene Zellweger's New in Town. It starred Niall Matter as Rip Van Winkle's estranged son who travels from his time to ours and meets single mother Torrey de Vito, and her son and father who are the current owners of the old Van Winkle property. Time Travel stories are always a safe bet and Niall Matter is a favorite of mine. Torrey Devito, not so much, but she was fine in this. Niall seems to have an air of melancholy behind his eyes, which was perfect for this role.

Most of the movie is relationship building with Rip helping Torrey's bullied son, dealing with the jealous suspicion of his rival for Torrey's affection, a police deputy, and of course the slow burn romance.

The writing was full of authentic details, bringing in Washington Irving's tale and farm machinery of the era for example. Flax Breaks--Who Knew? Not to mention Ben Wilkinson attempting to explain the science behind time travel to a stunned Torrey and a bewildered Rip.

The romantic conclusion was a little too pat, with lots of future challenges remaining unaddressed. But the reach across time, by means of a backpack, provided a reconciliation between Rip and his misunderstood father that was touching and satisfying.

'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.

This movie is not your usual Saturday night Hallmark rom/com, but then it was featured on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries which specializes in being different from the usual rom/coms.

There are some echoes of Timeless Christmas but even some differences from that story. Both movies attempt to come up with a scientific explanation that makes the stranger more than a crazy person. Both deal with his adjustments to a future world and the skepticism of those who don't take the time to know him. In this movie there is even a threat from one of those skeptics.

Torey DeVitto and Niall Matter have chemistry and their characters develop a sweet relationship.

I enjoyed the ending because I think it is just a bit unexpected.

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.