....give me a break. Endings like that should be banned. Just bloody lazy.
385 Reviews
Oh come on.......
BLP42219 May 2019
Total waste of resolving a moral dilemma!!!
mattprobe17 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A little slow to start but then seemed rushed towards the end. I actually got into this movie but felt like it would be better as series. The ending was a complete disappointment!! I get the director or whoever made the decisions was going for "affect" but it left me beyond frustrated because the lead actress could have fixed everything if she had just gone back and not acted like a child with the whole "slushee incident!
I never write reviews but the lack of recognizing the characters potential growth and learning from her initial mistakes was completely frustrating!
I never write reviews but the lack of recognizing the characters potential growth and learning from her initial mistakes was completely frustrating!
If idiots invented time travel...
VirtualMark19 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Literally the dumbest time travel movie I have ever seen. The characters are complete morons, making bad impulsive decisions all the time. And the ending... it doesn't have one. Just cuts out so you don't get to find out if they fix it or not.
The first time they travel back, the girl uses their new found time travel powers to throw a slushy at an ex boyfriend. Potentially creating a time paradox that could destroy the universe. Smart move.
At one point the girl's brother dies. It takes her several days to realise "OMG I have invented time travel, I could fix this". Duh... you think?
It was just so dumb all the time, I couldn't stand it. Nobody thought that she could just call her brother on the phone! Tell him she's in trouble somewhere, ask for help. Then they wouldn't be there to get shot. Easy! 1000 other ways to solve this idiotic movie, but they just didn't bother.
If you have a bit of time to kill, there are way better options on Netflix. This will leave you disappointed.
The first time they travel back, the girl uses their new found time travel powers to throw a slushy at an ex boyfriend. Potentially creating a time paradox that could destroy the universe. Smart move.
At one point the girl's brother dies. It takes her several days to realise "OMG I have invented time travel, I could fix this". Duh... you think?
It was just so dumb all the time, I couldn't stand it. Nobody thought that she could just call her brother on the phone! Tell him she's in trouble somewhere, ask for help. Then they wouldn't be there to get shot. Easy! 1000 other ways to solve this idiotic movie, but they just didn't bother.
If you have a bit of time to kill, there are way better options on Netflix. This will leave you disappointed.
Important timely movie
jigolomiles31 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
No matter what you do, you can't change what happens. That doesn't mean you quit trying though. Great movie examining the reality of police murder through a sci fi lens. Beautifully shot. Well lit for the mostly actors of color. Script had some holes, but the premise of trying to readjust the ill circumstances through time travel hit home. I don't doubt every person that has lost someone to police recklessness wished they could turn back time. The same for anyone that's lost another human being. Also, East Flatbush was a character unto itself. Great mood and environment.
Time travel and awesome kids
luckysgirl2619 May 2019
This movie is fun. If you enjoy Time Travel and fresh new faces give it a try. Don't listen to the "spike lee propaganda " posts or negative comments. It was awesome and fun seeing fun intelligent black kids, who aren't big name actors and acted well. I liked it. A few holes but I take for what it is, an entertaining movie.
Worst Ending
khathkair19 May 2019
Michael J Fox
samieoneill-932-42983911 September 2019
Aimed at the wrong audience
darrelltill20 May 2019
The simple problem with this film is that it doesn't know what it is or who it's aimed at. It's as corny and mawkish as a Disney film but it's full of profanity, the result is a film that's too childish for adults yet not suitable for kids either.
It got me intrigued
dahmedda18 May 2019
A lot of the reviews are negative, to be honest I don't see why. This isn't something I normally would watch but I thought I'd give it a go and was pleasently surprised, I found the concept of the story good, especially when you think of how many movies are made about time travel and changing the past. But this kept me entertained, I feel like it does tackle some real day issues amongst the police and black people, which is the gritty truth of the movie and well done for doing so!
A lot of comments are angry about the ending, no spoilers but the affect they were going for was accomplished in the ending so again it made us feel that way and they intended it to, so I think good on them they succeeded.
Someone mentioned it would make a good series yes I think it could.
Overall is it a cinema release no... Is it satisfying yes
A lot of comments are angry about the ending, no spoilers but the affect they were going for was accomplished in the ending so again it made us feel that way and they intended it to, so I think good on them they succeeded.
Someone mentioned it would make a good series yes I think it could.
Overall is it a cinema release no... Is it satisfying yes
The Third Act.
Anyanwu23 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This was a really good idea. What stuck out to me was the stereotyped character CJ. Young Smart Black Female Angry Reckless. Why? We know she lost her father. But why anger? I know it's a character trait that's easy to brush on a character but it's too easy. And we see it too often! Where? Amy Belafonte character played by Saniyya Sidney in The Passage series. Judy Robinson character played by Taylor Russell in the Lost in Space series. We've seen this character before. Why not contemplative, thoughtful and just plain smart? Passionate, yes but smart. Which means she thinks and plans for contingencies "for contingencies" and she respects the dilemma, therefore she is not reckless. CJ is angry the whole film. Her few soft moments don't play well cause she's angry all the time so they don't seem realistic. The Third Act. Writing a screenplay is easy. Writing a really good screenplay is really hard. The Third Act here was lazy I'd say. I don't like to bash but it's like they got tired at the end. They didn't really know how to resolve the story so they left it in a revolving door. There were so many simple things that could have been done stop the incident that were obvious. It takes more thought and courage to write a third act that is different and leaves us happy or at least saying that was interesting. Because of CJ character being blindly reckless we're left with her continuing her quest. Her quest has her doing the same thing but expecting a different result. That is called crazy. That makes no sense for a girl who is scientifically "method" smart.
Don't mess with the space continuum
FrenchEddieFelson19 May 2019
I wonder about the intended audience: the atmosphere being very childish, adults get bored chop-chop, probably right from the start; the dialogues being hardly refined and sometimes ridiculous, the children are therefore proscribed. Moreover, the script is messy and repetitious. Finally, the ending (if you ever get there!) rhymes with bitterness. I nevertheless appreciated the reference to Back to the Future (1985), with the furtive presence of Michael J. Fox as a science teacher.
A massive let down. Bad on too many levels.
camuc20 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is a movie about black people having a rough time with the police in Brooklyn (NY) while bullying each other. To stop the white policemen from killing (yet another) young black American, the "most brilliant" girl in school travels back in time and makes stupid choices over and over again.
I spent more time trying to understand why the characters behaved like thugs with each other than trying to put together the shattered pieces of the time travel sub-plot in this "movie". Sci-fi wise this is a zero-rating movie. Science is all over the place and over simplified, and the characters are too stupid even to repair a broken blender, so the whole "time travelling backpack" is simply unbelievable. The director clearly wanted to make a movie about how badly black people are treated by the police in America, which is a subject too serious to be put in the hands of two kids who only travel back in time to throw slush at their ex boyfriends.
The budget for the whole production must have been about $5. Maybe $11 including 3 cups of slush priced at $2 each. The few special effects are seriously bad, props are even worse. Acting is all over the place and there are a few continuity mistakes in the scenes that indicate lack of care or bad montage.
I wasted one an a half hour of my life watching this thing. I hope that my review will spare someone else the same pain.
Last note: While I appreciate Michael J. Fox's cameo, even that was ruined by a too obvious "Great Scott". Terrible scripting from beginning to end.
I spent more time trying to understand why the characters behaved like thugs with each other than trying to put together the shattered pieces of the time travel sub-plot in this "movie". Sci-fi wise this is a zero-rating movie. Science is all over the place and over simplified, and the characters are too stupid even to repair a broken blender, so the whole "time travelling backpack" is simply unbelievable. The director clearly wanted to make a movie about how badly black people are treated by the police in America, which is a subject too serious to be put in the hands of two kids who only travel back in time to throw slush at their ex boyfriends.
The budget for the whole production must have been about $5. Maybe $11 including 3 cups of slush priced at $2 each. The few special effects are seriously bad, props are even worse. Acting is all over the place and there are a few continuity mistakes in the scenes that indicate lack of care or bad montage.
I wasted one an a half hour of my life watching this thing. I hope that my review will spare someone else the same pain.
Last note: While I appreciate Michael J. Fox's cameo, even that was ruined by a too obvious "Great Scott". Terrible scripting from beginning to end.
I liked it - social insights and intriguing story
stephanieu1424 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Heaps of severely critical reviews here, but I liked it.
It was an intriguing story and I felt the social/political context added stakes to an otherwise simple story.
I appreciate movies that show insight into other communities and cultures, so I count that as a strength, not "political correctness gone mad". The sense of tension between the community and the police was a major part of the story. I have to imagine what it would be like if that was my every day...
The repeated time trips to try to resolve the issue built up the tension all the way to the end.
And then it just stopped with the end still hanging. So the viewer gets to write the ending themselves. My version had a happy ending 😊.
It was an intriguing story and I felt the social/political context added stakes to an otherwise simple story.
I appreciate movies that show insight into other communities and cultures, so I count that as a strength, not "political correctness gone mad". The sense of tension between the community and the police was a major part of the story. I have to imagine what it would be like if that was my every day...
The repeated time trips to try to resolve the issue built up the tension all the way to the end.
And then it just stopped with the end still hanging. So the viewer gets to write the ending themselves. My version had a happy ending 😊.
Don't even bother.
weslleyend18 May 2019
After years of using IMDb without an account, THIS is the thing that got me to create one and make a review.
The movie is slow, full of plotholes, unexciting and has no ending.
It is absolutely bad, and has a very unfitting soundtrack.
And if you need any background, while I really enjoyed Prime and enjoy the time traveling idea, I went into this movie expecting just a dumb flick to pass time, my hopes couldn't possibly be any lower, and still here I am writing this.
The movie is slow, full of plotholes, unexciting and has no ending.
It is absolutely bad, and has a very unfitting soundtrack.
And if you need any background, while I really enjoyed Prime and enjoy the time traveling idea, I went into this movie expecting just a dumb flick to pass time, my hopes couldn't possibly be any lower, and still here I am writing this.
Interesting
Jemae17 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The film idea is interesting, slow to start. I loved the idea of time travel and CJ trying to save her brother, however this film could have been better or even longer. It had so much potential
I felt like there wasn't much happening, while they were travelling I was still waiting for something interesting to happen.
It shows the stuff ups and learning experience of the teens but it doesn't really offer more than that.
One thing I noticed which I'm not sure was done on purpose or they just threw continuity out the window, was a police officer. In the beginning of the film one of the cops was a darker man and then by the end of the film, it was a different actor of another race....hmm.
I enjoyed Michael J Fox's little appearance, that was actually funny.
Overall it was an easy movie to watch but it's just not that exciting but it's still a little interesting at the same time.
One thing I noticed which I'm not sure was done on purpose or they just threw continuity out the window, was a police officer. In the beginning of the film one of the cops was a darker man and then by the end of the film, it was a different actor of another race....hmm.
I enjoyed Michael J Fox's little appearance, that was actually funny.
Overall it was an easy movie to watch but it's just not that exciting but it's still a little interesting at the same time.
1 good hour terrible 20min
dannyberg-2539919 May 2019
What kind of idiot wrote the ending?
pjs3218 July 2019
Great Spin on Classic Time Travel Tale
kvlcares18 May 2019
This movie was a very engaging spin on the classic time travel caper. The tone is more "Law & Order" and not Disney or "Spy Kids" at all. If you are expecting a G-rated "everything is awesome" type film, leaves those expectations at the door.
The director tells the story from the perspective of two young New York City teens. He asks the question how would the real lives of these teens change if they just happen to be able to travel back in time. The political upheaval, crime, and police violence in NYC are a backdrop to this story.
I thought the director did a very good job of spinning a new take on the classic time travel tale aka "Back to the Future." In the beginning there is a lot of time spent showing you who the teens are and their living environment and educational experiences. This characterization other reviewers have called "slow" but I appreciated the peak into the world of the two teenagers, it let me appreciate who they are and the motivation they had to achieve time travel.
I disagree with most of the negative reviews on this film. After reading them, those reviews seem more politically motivated than an actual criticism of the movie. This is a Spike Lee produced film, so some social commentary is to be expected. The film does discuss police violence in communities of color. The negative comments and low film ratings appear to be just push back against a film presenting a different opinion on the perspective of police gun violence. Despite having a different political viewpoint, I did not find the movie to be preachy or self-righteous, but just presented the situation in a matter of fact manner. Politics aside, this was a good movie.
I do think it would make a great TV series. And, I only gave it a lower rating because I felt the ending was too rushed and was not a true resolution.
The director tells the story from the perspective of two young New York City teens. He asks the question how would the real lives of these teens change if they just happen to be able to travel back in time. The political upheaval, crime, and police violence in NYC are a backdrop to this story.
I thought the director did a very good job of spinning a new take on the classic time travel tale aka "Back to the Future." In the beginning there is a lot of time spent showing you who the teens are and their living environment and educational experiences. This characterization other reviewers have called "slow" but I appreciated the peak into the world of the two teenagers, it let me appreciate who they are and the motivation they had to achieve time travel.
I disagree with most of the negative reviews on this film. After reading them, those reviews seem more politically motivated than an actual criticism of the movie. This is a Spike Lee produced film, so some social commentary is to be expected. The film does discuss police violence in communities of color. The negative comments and low film ratings appear to be just push back against a film presenting a different opinion on the perspective of police gun violence. Despite having a different political viewpoint, I did not find the movie to be preachy or self-righteous, but just presented the situation in a matter of fact manner. Politics aside, this was a good movie.
I do think it would make a great TV series. And, I only gave it a lower rating because I felt the ending was too rushed and was not a true resolution.
Interesting.......but not satisfying
musicgirrl1625 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the premise, the acting was decent to really good, although some of it was laughable. The science certainly wasn't there or even close, but I'll play. I really did enjoy the movie. Until the end. Some people said it was lazy writing, I don't know if I agree with that but it didn't feel finished. Now that may have been their intention, but in my opinion it was a wrong decision. They should have left it with Calvin making the choice to stand up. It would have ended on a sad note, but it would have ended. This just left you unfulfilled.
Pretty much trash.
Finfrosk8620 May 2019
If had I time machine I'd go back and not watch this. Obvious joke, but not all time travel movies are worth you time. This ain't.
I begins ok, looks and plays like a Nickelodeon-production. Until the f-bombs start coming. Then n-bombs. What the heck is this? It's colorful and with young actors, but they keep swearing, it's pretty weird.
Then one of the characters does something so mind-numbingly stupid and out of character, that I pretty much lost all hope from there. Plus, the weak-ass "political" message: cops are evil and kill black people for sport, is so on the nose it's embarrassing. Even though this movie shows plenty of black-on-black crime, it's still made out to be solely because of racism. Look, racism is real and it sucks, but does EVERY movie with a black cast have to be about the same thing? Come on.
And here's the kicker. This movie is weak with a sucky script, the IMDB-rating as of now is 4,9, but the critics seems to love it! I wonder why. Could it be because of the weak-sauce "politics" on display?
To be fair, the main characters do a good job, acting is pretty alright. They are pretty and charming. And Michael J Fox has a cameo, so watch the first 5 minutes or so, to catch him. Then skip.
I begins ok, looks and plays like a Nickelodeon-production. Until the f-bombs start coming. Then n-bombs. What the heck is this? It's colorful and with young actors, but they keep swearing, it's pretty weird.
Then one of the characters does something so mind-numbingly stupid and out of character, that I pretty much lost all hope from there. Plus, the weak-ass "political" message: cops are evil and kill black people for sport, is so on the nose it's embarrassing. Even though this movie shows plenty of black-on-black crime, it's still made out to be solely because of racism. Look, racism is real and it sucks, but does EVERY movie with a black cast have to be about the same thing? Come on.
And here's the kicker. This movie is weak with a sucky script, the IMDB-rating as of now is 4,9, but the critics seems to love it! I wonder why. Could it be because of the weak-sauce "politics" on display?
To be fair, the main characters do a good job, acting is pretty alright. They are pretty and charming. And Michael J Fox has a cameo, so watch the first 5 minutes or so, to catch him. Then skip.
If there are kids in a Netflix movie: skip it
the_real_smile10 January 2021
Netflix somehow believes that putting untalented, bad acting, annoying kids in a movie with even a worse script, is a good thing. This is the umpteenth attempt of Netflix to do so, and it, again fails. From Vampires vs. the Bronx, to the sidekick in Project Power to the awful Rim of the World, all huge fails. My advise, if you want to see a family action movie, see Sky High.
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