What you really want to know about Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time is if you should see it, right?  You most definitely should, because it’s a lovely film. It’s not going to be for everyone, but most films aren’t. Fans of the book will recognize many moments from the pages, and will perhaps enjoy it more than those unfamiliar.

I remember never really liking the book when I was a kid, and this adapted film didn’t have the same level of excitement for me as other upcoming adaptations.  That’s not to say I wasn’t looking forward to seeing it, because director Ava DuVernay is a master of her craft, and supporting filmmaker’s voices is important.

This film is for young people, DuVernay herself said this in a short video shown before our screening.  She spoke about light, about the importance of young people and being young at heart, and I do think she managed to tap into that with the film.

The true stars (other than the amazing makeup and costumes on the Misses Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon, and Oprah Winfrey) were the young actors and actresses.  Storm Reid who plays main character Meg for example, carries the majority of the plot’s weight on her capable shoulders. She’s incredibly talented, and there is nothing but promise in her future. Deric McCabe who plays Meg’s little brother Charles Wallace is incredible, and will leave you questioning any relationship with little brothers you’ve ever seen in real life.  Levi Miller as Calvin reminds me why he was cast to play Peter Pan in the 2015 Pan film, his innocence and penetrating gaze throughout the film make it hard to think of him being as young as he is, because he really doesn’t come across like a kid.

SCORE: 3.5 out of 5, viewed in IMAX non 3d

THE GOOD:

Again, the young people.  Their performances are really what carry the film. Every second of the suspension of disbelief is shown through their eyes; the struggle of Light vs Dark reflected in their deliveries and weight in the world.

Also we’re all in agreement that this depiction of Oprah as a larger than life sparkly benevolent creature is her true final form, right?

THE BAD:

The language at times is convoluted and confusing, as it was in the source material.  I wonder if the average person will be able to follow it easily, and/or enjoy it.

It also almost feels like too short of a film.  Perhaps a three part mini series would have been the best way to tell the story, but I will say the relationship of Chris Pine and Gugu Mbatha-Raw is believable and heartbreaking, even in the small amount of time we get with them as a couple.

A Wrinkle In Time opens in theaters worldwide on Friday March 8th 2018.