A Wrinkle in Time, “The only way to defeat the darkness is to become the light.”
It was not without a little drama that we had the privilege of watching a preview of this much anticipated film. A school night, an hour drive, a late night, a gigantic snowstorm, a cancellation, a rescheduling, and a better opportunity…but the drama was worth it.
*Spoiler Free
FFTC was given the opportunity to preview this movie for free in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.
A Wrinkle in Time
Meg Murray is an outcast at school because of the disappearance of her father. What happened to him four years ago? Meg’s family–her mom and little brother, Charles Wallace–carry on throughout life together always wondering. Until one day, Charles Wallace, a precocious 6 year old genius, with a knack for caring about strangers introduces his sister to some individuals who are beautiful but strange.
With the help of these three strangers, Meg, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin embark on a journey to find their father. What happens along the journey is beyond imagination. In fact, every time I read the book, I am unable to picture what Madeline L’Engle is describing.
The film is a work of art, and I love how they capture the heart of the story. I love Storm Reid. She is a cutie pie and her relationship with the Misses, her brother, and Calvin is fantastic. I love how Mrs. Whatsit comes to life. Her sassiness and honesty regarding Meg are hilarious.
It is my recommendation that you forget that Oprah Winfrey is Mrs. Which. Casting the media icon actually changed Mrs. Which into Oprah Winfrey instead of the reverse. Mrs. Which is so much better than Oprah. Though I do have to say that her eyebrows are pretty cool.
My kids loved the film. They loved everything about it and would recommend it to everyone. I, as a mom, do not recommend it to everyone, but I did love it.
About A Wrinkle in Time
“From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic that takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light, good versus evil and, ultimately, the triumph of love. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by
one’s own light.”
-supplied by Disney’s Press Release
Opens March 9, 2018
Parental Guidance for A Wrinkle in Time
Rating: PG for thematic elements and some peril
Age Recommendation: 9+ (though my seven year old enjoyed it and still talks about it)
I think this is an positive experience for most kids whether they have read the book or not. Though if you have sensitive kids, you may not want to venture into the theater for this one. My sensitive kid LOVED it, but spent about 10 minutes on my lap cowering from the loud noises.
Final Thoughts on A Wrinkle in Time
The film holds true to the themes of the book, making some of the abstract concepts concrete, but it does delineate from the original texts in quite a few places. The part that drives me the craziest is that the Murray Twins are not a part of the story at all. According to the film, the Murray family is a family of four, but in the book, they are a family of six.
Other major differences:
- In the book Mrs. Whatsit changes into a centaur-type creature. In the film adaptation, she turns into a flying lettuce leaf with a face.
- What happens in the pinnacle moments differ from book, but those moments are so incredible, I am able to forgive Disney.
- There are lots of other differences, but those are the ones that stood out the most.
Though there are many changes from the printed story, the soul remains steadfast.
Find More Movie Reviews: Family Movie Night: Quick Reviews and Parental Guidance