Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (2009) User Reviews

Shaun of the Dead - But with Time Travel

[tommey91 · 7/10 · 12 September 2009]

Okay, so the acting isn't the best. Neither are the special effects. Despite this, I've been thoroughly entertained and captivated for the entirety of the last 80 minutes by an excellent plot that keeps you on your toes, genuinely excellent humour and enough confusion to keep you thinking but not to frustrate.

Unexpected twists are everywhere, but the great thing about them is that they all make sense when the movie is over, which is something some of the more recent Hollywood Sci-Fi's could take note of. It's actually a shame that one of the independent distributors with a bit more cash to burn didn't get hold of the script, I honestly think this could have been a box-office success with the right marketing.

This won't be winning any Oscars in the near future, but let's be honest; who gives a damn?

A big surprise and in a good way

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 2 August 2010]

I was not sure about this film at first. Don't get me wrong, I like comedy(when it's done right of course) especially ones from the '70s, '80s and '90s, but when it is done wrong it's awful. But I was fearing whether it would be anything like the Friedberg-Seltzer spoof movies which I hated, detested even. After seeing mixed reviews and the above average IMDb rating, I decided to give it a chance.

And I am glad I did, because I thought it was a good movie, not outstanding, but it was funny and smart even with its problems and limitations. Admittedly, Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel is low-budget, but it doesn't look completely slip-shod. The story is original and well structured, when the film started though I was like "oh dear" but as the film got going it got better, while the writing was funny, smart and tongue-in-cheek. The direction is competent, the music is good and the pacing I had little problem with either. The acting is spirited, especially with Chris O'Dowd and Marc Wooton who both show a lot of spontaneous boyish charm that make their characters appealing. I agree in some ways the characters border on stereotypical but the acting and writing is enough to not make it matter that much. Anna Farris starts off a little stiff but once she gets into the film and her role she gets better. Even the title was funny and amusing.

Overall, I liked it. It is not the best movie I have ever seen, but it was funny and smart and it was refreshing to see something that was actually funny.(Friedberg and Seltzer take notes) 8/10 Bethany Cox

Fun, witty and original

[miruleyall · 8/10 · 12 September 2009]

A great little movie about the Chaos Theory.

If you enjoy any SciFi (mainly DoCWho) you should give this little flick a watch if it ever pops up on your set.

Acting is very solid from Dowd who carries the film perfectly, the other actors keep pretty safe but Dowd really shines, Farris is ditsy as usual but is very cute and likable as a character (and a person) still.

Direction is quite minimalistic and just focuses on the chaos itself and hardly relies on modern visual effects, mainly great props and sets that set a surprisingly good atmosphere considering this is a budget movie

This little movie could have a cult following if it is received well.

8/10 -2 for been too short, but at least it leaves the possibly open for a sequel :)

A pleasant surprise!

[Gordon-11 · 15 September 2009]

This film is about three mates talking about time travel in a pub. They ended up doing some actual time travelling much to their surprise.

Most time travel films do not make sense or have serious plot holes, but this plot is great. The story is creative, clever and well written. It keeps me interested and engaged throughout the film. The three mates are authentic and unpretentious, just like real characters we meet on a daily basis. This enhances the attraction of the film, making it even more engaging.

Full length films under 80 minutes usually are bad, but "Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel" is a pleasant exception! I really enjoyed watching "Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel", and I would recommend it to my friends without hesitation.

Great fun for the grey matter.

[geoffgee · 7/10 · 24 April 2009]

There were times whilst I was watching this that I felt myself to be distinctly chronologically challenged by the implications of (people) being able to go backwards and forwards in time. Not that that detracted from my enjoyment - quite the contrary - but unravelling some of the time-logic did demand that extra bit of effort on my part. The humour varies between light and off-the-cuff banter between drinking buddies at times, to potentially grave and ominous events at others. I thought the characters were likable and the screenplay was excellent (in an 'ordinary' kind of way). Maintaining my interest was helped by the juxtaposition of the everyday with the unexpected and the inclusion of an uncertain romantic element. A nice blend of sci-fi and scepticism. Great fun for the grey matter.

Shh, do not mention Doctor Who!

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 25 September 2014]

I reckon at one point Nick Frost and Simon Pegg were considered for the lead roles with Edgar Wright mooted as a director.

However the film starts as three guys in a pub talking about time travel when one of them is fired from his job. Ray (Chris O'Dowd), Toby (Marc Wootton) and Pete (Dean Lennox Kelly) are out in the pub going through beers, crisps and moaning about life as well as talking science fiction but strangely no mention of Doctor Who.

A trip to the toilet for one of them leads to some sort of time leak where the trio go back and forth along a time-line that could lead to danger. Anna Faris plays Cassie a woman from the future whose job is to repair these time leaks.

The film is rather fun, the three leads play well together, they are not irritating and there is a mixture of comedy with some danger and drama. Faris mixes well with the trio and there is some substance with the science fiction elements of the story.

Enjoyable Brit Sci-Fi comedy...

[ajs-10 · 7/10 · 8 August 2010]

This is a British made film, actually a co-production between BBC films, Dog Lamp Films and HBO Films, but made here in the UK. I saw it mentioned last year on TV and thought it was one I would never see as it didn't make it to any of my local cinemas. But thanks to it being a BBC co-production, it aired in TV this week and I'm really glad I got to finally see it.

Three friends, Ray, Toby and Pete work at an amusement park. Ray has just been sacked from his job after making his depiction of life in the Space Corps to a bunch of kids a little bit too realistic. He is a bit of a sci-fi geek and is really into the concept of time travel. Toby, also a bit of a geek, is an aspiring writer and is always jotting down ideas in a black book he always carries with him. Pete is just an ordinary guy out with his mates. After work they decide to go to the cinema and then on to the pub. They were not impressed with the film they saw and decide to write a letter to Hollywood on the back of one of the pages from Toby's book. With glasses empty, Ray is volunteered to get a round in. He goes through to the next room where he meets Cassie, a girl who claims to be from the future. She has come back to fix a hole in time. Ray initially treats this chance meeting as a joke, but things are about to get very serious for the three friends.

Obviously made on a very small budget with most of the action centred on the pub, but nonetheless a very well made film. Quite a short film at only 83 minutes, but this, to me, was just about the right length. Decent performances all around, so honourable mentions must go out to; Chris O'Dowd as Ray, Marc Wootton as Toby, Dean Lennox Kelly as Pete, Anna Faris as Cassie and Meredith MacNeill as Millie.

As a bit of a fan of Sci-Fi I really enjoyed this film. I found it clever and witty and it put me in mind of the great British TV comedy 'Red Dwarf', although it's not set in space. A nicely written script with likable characters and not too many clichés, to me, (and I'll probably get slagged off for this) even better than 'Shaun of the Dead' (shock!).

I read that the director, Gareth Carrivick sadly died earlier this year from Leukaemia. He had worked in TV on many shows I have enjoyed over the years, particularly comedy and I think this was a good one to finish on, nice work sir! Recommended.

My score: 7.4/10

funny ,clever movie...keeps you on your toes...

[megaloni · 9/10 · 2 March 2009]

An enjoyable funny film with a well written story and several surprises which made one or two of the audience in front of me sit bolt upright. The plot is well written with considerable imagination.. and whilst the clever ones amongst you will guess what is coming next , there are a few scenes which caught my audience 'off guard'and made them jump ! I do not want to give the game away, but there are good 'time travel' loops which will amuse those of you who are not even sci-fi lovers. Both the females add glamour.. and whilst there are probably no 'Oscar' performances, the three guys are funny and well cast as 'ordinary blokes'some clever non hi-tech trick shots and surprises right up to the final credits !.. and listening to departing audience comments there were plenty of happy people leaving the theatre.

An Amazing Thrill Of A Ride!

[sunshineboxi · 8/10 · 12 October 2009]

This movie is so far one of the best British comedies I've ever watched. The dialogs are funny, the story is well planned, and although you might not expect any high climax's due to it's limited production fee's, my heart was beating right out of my chest when the climax was reached!!

The character development was great, the beginning was funny and charming but I was slightly worried/put off by the beginning to think it was going to be boring, but stick with it for 5 more minutes and I'll swear you won't regret it! Anna Faris delivers a great performance as she sparks the silver screen with her natural abilities of a comedian and all the other actors such as Chris O'Dowd, Dean Lennox Kelly etc.. both interacts realistically with each other, forming brilliant chemistry.

This movie is for 'Science Fiction' lovers as well as people who are generally into space and time travel. There aren't any really mushy and romantic scenes, a mild sense of swearing, but all for the cynical outcome. DO WATCH! You might want to re-watch it again and again!

Not HA HA funny but it's all in good fun

[robertwilson-34871 · 7/10 · 30 July 2017]

With some better acting and a sharper script this movie could have been a lot better than it was.

What it is however is a fun romp through the trials and tribulations of time travel, poking good fun at its "rules" and issues. As well as classic Science Fiction in general. Sharp eyed views will see homages to "Them", "The Sound of Thunder", "Back to the Future", "Close Encounters", "Battlestar Galacticia" and others.

Confined to a pub was a nice little bit as it kept all the action bottled up into one neat package and didn't require the exploration of the outside world.

It's clever and fun.

Now for the bad news. Well you have to admire the situation and the dry British humor (it was a BBC production after all)...the movie lacks any big laughs. Or even that many small ones. In better more comedic hands this could have been laugh out loud funny.

Like I said it's clever and fun and should find an audience...but it's not "funny" and that's something a "comedy" should be.

The question is...would I watch it again or pay money to see it? Yes, yes I would. I just think with a slight sharper edge to the humor and better actors this could have been so much more.

Pokes fun at the sci-fi time travel genre

[jim921977 · 9/10 · 19 February 2019]

Plenty of reviews to read to get the gist of the movie. The movie doesn't take itself seriously and plays to its targeted audience. Yeah, I'm a bit of a nerd. I enjoyed it, reminded me a lot of Hottub Time Machine character development wise. Anna Faris's character and the time editor character give the movie its sci-fi twist. The end appears to set up a possible sequel. Who knows. Hottub Time Machine 2 also did the same thing. A bit of movie trivia, even though the first Back to the Future movie appears to set up a future movie, that wasn't the intent.

More fun than I expected

[prd-10 · 7/10 · 2 August 2010]

I recall that when this came out last year, it got decidedly mediocre reviews, but I thought I'd give it a try when it turned up on TV last night. A lot more fun than I expected. The writer had a sure understanding of the genre - the written genre, not the usual film or TV genre. It didn't rely on blockbuster special effects. It was plot driven, and although not a stunningly original plot, they handled it well. OK, they couldn't really decide how to end it, and the final scenes got a bit silly (or sillier) but it worked up to them finally leaving the pub.

I could see this as a short story in a British SF anthology.

Disappointing

[lists-9 · 4/10 · 25 October 2009]

Three disaffected thirtyish men go for a drink in a pub and have a night to remember. After one of them has a chance meeting with a strange girl and another has a mind-bending experience on using the toilet, all three find they have travelled in time and inadvertently changed the future.

The film borrows freely from science fiction films, TV and fiction (The Terminator, Doctor Who and Ray Bradbury's story A Sound of Thunder are among its more obvious influences). The premise is unusual for a comedy and the start of the film seems promising but, after its first half hour, it quickly becomes tedious. I laughed only once or twice in the whole film.

The characters are just not as endearing as they're meant to be and the plot meanders, lacking the excitement of The Terminator and the appeal of Doctor Who. The writer seems uncertain of where to take the story and throws in various gimmicks which seem to go nowhere. I just didn't find it a satisfying story. In any science fiction or fantasy story, "suspension of disbelief" is vital, but the storyline for me just wasn't credible.

After some impressive effects in the opening scene, the rest of the film's relatively few special effects look cheap and feel as if they don't quite belong to the same film. Despite its short running time, it seemed quite long to me - never a good feeling.

I don't understand the criticisms of this film

[MagikGimp · 2 August 2010]

FAQsATT was panned recently in Radio Times when it was shown for the first time on terrestrial TV and I don't understand why. Maybe it's because I emphasise a bit with the main characters, perhaps it was just because I was excited to turn on the TV and see a reasonably famous Hollywood star in a small-time British film but whatever the reason was I found myself thoroughly entertained. A lot of people have been saying that Anna Faris is uncomfortable in this but I didn't feel that at all; I expect she enjoyed doing something completely different to what she's used to. Meredith MacNeill too has be described as awkward and such but she's playing a character who's completely barmy and I think she expressed that well. Yes the special effects are not the best but they're not terrible. For a sci-fi (sorry, Speculative Fiction!) film there aren't many of them and rather there's more focus on dialogue and antics between the cast but I think that works; the effects are not overly distracting and the post-nuclear city I though actually looked really good. I've given this 7/10 because some things could have been tidied up and the script is not perfect. Also, there are mistakes and perhaps a slightly larger budget wouldn't have hurt. All in all I enjoyed this immensely for whatever reason and that's all that matters to me.

British sitcom drama

[Rob-O-Cop · 6/10 · 5 October 2009]

a pleasantly entertaining British sitcom drama style event. Nothing too spectacular but a pleasant enough way to pass the time. Anna Farris is jarringly wooden against the British cast members as is Canadian Meredith MacNeill. I don't know why any non British were present in a British set drama but there presence came across as token, perhaps placed to get an American market and then the whole slippery slop of dumbing down the content raises its ugly head. This could have been more edgy, and I've just guessed why it wasn't.

Chris O'Dowd plays himself, again, but luckily he's always worth a watch. He's got a great delivery which I'm not tired of yet having watched him in IT Crowd and FM.

When it comes to time travel ,there are very few good movies..this is one among them

[hitman596 · 7/10 · 2 January 2013]

There are very few movies on time travel and very few which are worth watching among them,if you are into sci-fi you will really really like this movie!,you do not have to be exceptionally clever(but not exceptionally dumb) to understand this movie

Plot:7.5/10

Funny?: Yes ,some scenes will give you a good laugh

What's different about it: The plot keeps you interested in the movie until the end..this the movie does without any great special effects and nudity :D..

Worth Watching?:yes!

Some good sci-fi fun.

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 28 January 2020]

I wanted to watch a sci-fi comedy and that's exactly what I got with Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel. The humor in this British movie is simple but effective, I had my share of laughs so I can't complain. The story couldn't be more sci-fi, time travelling is a good subject to create a good story as you have many options where to go to, and it created also some good comical scenes between the three main characters played by Chris O'Dowd, Marc Wootton and Dean Lennox Kelly. The acting isn't award winning but good enough for these kind of movies. The special effects are lame though, don't expect anything fancy, but than again it's not really necessary in this movie, the story and the comedy are enough to keep you entertained.

Low budget fun

[bowmanblue · 7/10 · 26 July 2016]

Ignoring Anna Faris' part in 'Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel' it's basically fair to say that the film was made with no major stars and even less of a budget. To claim that it's predictable may be a little unfair, but it probably won't surprise you too much. But that's not to say that it's not worth watching.

Three British losers go to the pub and inadvertently get stuck in a time loop that will – no doubt – destroy life on the planet unless it's fixed. And, if you've seen the front cover, you may have read the tagline 'Shaun of the Dead meets Dr Who.' Yes, that's about it. I could almost leave the review there. That's pretty much all you need to know about it. It has the 'low budget' feel of an old (yes, not even the recent post-Christopher Eccelston) Dr Who interwoven with the lovable rogue kind of lads we rooted for in Shaun's zombie rom-com.

In short, it relies on script over anything else. And the script isn't that bad. I've watched it twice now and, although nothing in it really made me laugh for a long time, there are enough chuckles in the banter between the three guys to make it worth watching. Plus if you're a fellow nerd (that's me, too – although the film points out that the 'n-word' is a way of keep us 'imagineers' down!) you'll probably get the multiple references to numerous science fiction films (Aliens and Flash Gordon being the two most notably ones).

The acting is what you'd expect from three likable losers, although the 'love plot' when Anna Faris comes into it seems a little forced.

Overall, if you like sci-fi, if you like script-driven humour over special effects and are forgiving on the 'made-for-TV' feel to the movie, then give it a go. It's the definition of 'cheap and cheerful' and it should just raise enough smiles to make it worth your while.

I wish i could travel back in time and get my 70mins back!

[rauh-georg · 3/10 · 23 December 2009]

I got this movie based on the good rating here on IMDb.

What followed was one of the worst 70 minutes of my life. How someone can rate this flick 7, 8 or 9 is beyond me.

This movie is basically 70mins of three pretty dumb brits talking about time travel paradoxes, with the majority of the movie playing in the pub plus a few outside shots.

This movie seems like a ultra-low budget movie which FAILS in many aspects.

) It is not funny at all. I got this assuming it is a "witty" comedy. Maybe i just don't understand British humor (excuse me: "humoUr"), but there was really nothing funny about it, except you think that three nerdish brits (British nerds?) in a pub talking about time travel is a funny thing.

) Needless to say it didn't satisfy in the "Science Fiction" area either...and FAR from "keeps you on the edge of your seat". For crying out lout, what about that movie keeps you on the edge of your seat? I started twitching about 40mins into the movie with a strong desire to turn it off and watch something else. Sadly, i watched it all the way through.

The best thing is, when you actually think that the movie might become interesting..it is OVER. It is over after a "staggering" short 70mins.

I give this movie a 3 for "good attempt" and "odd British humour weirdness"...but i am still trying to find that time-rift in my own bathroom, to go and get my wasted time back.

Don't get me wrong, i love British humour, there is lots out there which is great...but this one was just a really, really DUMB movie.

A smart and very funny take on the science-fiction genre.

[Otoboke · 21 October 2009]

Ray (Chris O'Dowd), Toby (Marc Wootton) and Pete (Dean Lennox Kelly) are out in the pub for the night, going through their usual rounds of beer, crisps and complaints about general things including movies, music and their dead-end lives in general. Well, they think they're facing a brick wall, but really things are about to get a little sci-fi—or, science fiction, if you're picky about that sort of thing. You see, when one of the guys goes into the toilet, he discovers that there's a "time-leak" somewhere within that causes them to leap back and forth along a timeline that risks all of them destroying the entire universe as they know it. Sound really nerdy? Well, it is. Except, it's not pedantic nerdy, but actually smart, witty and engagingly imaginer (don't ask). The resulting movie is one that excels in both situation and character comedy, whilst also telling a really good story to boot—while there are flaws in the entire design (most of which occur in the later stages as things get more and more complicated) Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel is a short, but sweet take on the science-fiction comedy that knows how to strike up a laugh or two, but not at the expense of story or character.

Even though just about one of the three central actors has had major exposure on British TV and more recently, cinema, the performances are pitch-perfect. Striking a firm balance between realism and expertly timed gags, Dowd, Wootton and Kelly provide the movie with enough charm and "boy humour" to prevent the movie from sinking in a pile of convoluted, unfunny esoteric nonsense. Rather, the light-hearted presence of the three allows the feature to breathe with a sense of personality; while the film deals largely with two eccentric nerds and one slightly less nerdy partner in crime; these guys aren't your typical silver screen cutout stereotypes usually afforded to such personas. Instead, director Gareth Carrivick strives to maintain a sense of realism about his movie which permeates throughout.

Rather surprisingly this manifests itself not just in the characters, but in the hammy, sci-fi plot itself which involves the three jumping around time and avoiding bumping into themselves—thus avoiding deadly paradoxes. The extent to which writer Jamie Mathieson goes to avoid even the sternest of science-fiction nerds from having a fit over Grandfather Paradoxes and erroneous Chaos Theory debauchery is extremely welcome and really helps pad out the story even more than it is. Indeed, it could be argued that even though there are numerous timelines opened throughout the course of the movie, no real conflicts or holes are created at least until the final ten minutes. From here, things to get a little bit shifty for the sake of providing an ending that will please the average audience member, but even a little wink and a nod throughout this conclusion helps keep the movie's narrative in place. What results is a story that's not only refreshing through its willingness to go weird on you, but also through the sheer fact that weird never overcomes the viewer's suspension of belief.

In the end, FAQ About Time Travel does just about enough to strike a firm balance between story (which some will argue is king), character and silliness to ensure that your average viewer will be catered to. And while it isn't very likely that you will be blown away by the feature nor will it be emblazoned on your memory, the experience that is offers no matter how temporal, does well to entertain there and now. With some spot on performances and a tight script, Frequently Asked Questions is a smart and very funny take on the science-fiction genre that mixes situation with character humour effectively.

• A review by Jamie Robert Ward (http://www.invocus.net)

little gem of a movie

[mdixon · 7/10 · 14 May 2014]

had never heard of this before, ran across it on someone's list of favorites and after watching it I can see why. it looks like the movie was made with pocket change but the main characters are so likable and the writing so clever that it reminds one at how nothing but a good idea and good execution are all that's really needed to make a movie worth watching.

I was engrossed in it almost from the start and thankfully spent most of my time thinking "can't wait to see what happens next". I find that a large majority of movies are a disappointment in one way or another and by 1/3 or halfway through most of them I don't even care to watch any more. that in part is what makes stumbling across something like this so special but it does make one wonder how many other terrific little movies like this are out there that hardly anyone will ever see.

I like the idea and concept of this movie

[osj2507 · 6/10 · 5 January 2016]

The delivery of that wasn't all that though. What always work for these British comedies are the humor part and the small games and plays they make, so if you like British sitcoms or films like Shaun of the dead this is a good one for you.

It has some great fun moments, but it doesn't really stick together and the wide open ending really didn't do it for me, they could have ended it by them just strolling nice and easy down the road.

I guess I would have wanted more, not that it could or should explain the conundrum that time travel, or parallel universes might have/hold or the paradoxes of it all (well it kind of gives a few obvious hints of those), but it could have been more.

Good plot and actors

[kersurk · 7/10 · 12 December 2009]

I must confess I watched this movie because of Chris O'Dowd in the first place (he is awesome in the IT Crowd). However I really liked the three main actors. They played their role really great, specially Chris O'Dowd and Dean Lennox Kelly.

I loved the way that the movie evolved from drama to cool Science Fiction while still keeping the comedy in it.

I don't think it should be compared to any real science fiction movie, as this was actually meant to make people laugh, and, though I didn't really laugh out loud (I rarely do), I found it really enjoyable entertainment. Also, the time flew watching it, so you probably won't get bored either.

There were some really lame jokes and the final ending was a bit boring, that's why I'm giving it only 7, as more would be over-rated and less would be under-rated.

I will definitely watch it again!

Very funny charming story.

[accountcrapper · 8/10 · 14 September 2009]

All I really want to say is that there is another film out now called "I Believe You" which has a similar idea (ie Time Travel on a budget). FAQ is much better, funnier and larger in scope than "I Believe You" could hope to be. I watched the 2 side by side almost and FAQ is by far a better film.

While trying to fill out my 10 lines I'll say one scene didn't work for me. The party scene didn't really seem to pay-off. Possibly there was more there but it was edited out. As it stands it's probably the weakest scene.

Watch it if you can. I can't imagine anybody not finding Chris O'Dowd the main actor anything but charming and easy to watch.

Can't get enough of boring sitcom stereotypes and harmless, "charming" humor? You'll love this movie.

[krachtm · 6/10 · 16 March 2011]

Despite throwing around heady concepts (chaos theory, which is essentially defined as "the law of unintended consequences") and big words ("anachronistically"), this movie is actually quite short on either science or science fiction. It's basically just a light-hearted fantasy-comedy aimed at nerds (excuse me -- make that "people on the autistic spectrum"). In fact, the ridiculous pandering to their audience was a bit of a turn-off to me. There were so many homages and outright, explicit pop culture references that I found the whole thing rather tedious. I seem to be in the extreme minority here, as most people found that to be one of the best parts of the movie. Strangely, the most common complaints -- that of the acting and budget -- didn't bother me at all. I'm honestly not sure what these people are complaining about, because, to me, neither seemed to be nearly so annoying as the script. The directing was a little bit uneven, with the pacing being a bit slow and ponderous in the first half (which is where most of the problems with the film lie, in my opinion), while the second half is actually quite a bit better, with some semblance of story starting to take shape. And then it ends. Boom. I was like, "Wait, that's it? That's all? It was just starting to get good, and they end it?" I was left feeling rather unfulfilled, like there was only 15-20 minutes of actual good content, plus a whole bunch of filler (constant, unending homages, frequent film references, running gags, and revisiting the same scene several times, from slightly different points of view). In the end, this could have made a really good YouTube video or short film, if stripped of some of the more tedious elements. Or they could have actually made a compelling film, instead of constantly referencing their favorite movies...

Harsh? Perhaps so, but I'm not feeling particularly forgiving today. Despite that, I still give it a 6/10, because the second half of the movie really does make up for a lot of the tediousness of the first half.