Rip in Time

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.

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.

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.

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.