FILM REVIEW: About Time (d. Richard Curtis, 2013)

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As we all know, romantic comedy films are kind of my thing. Love Actually didn't make it into my Top Five 21st Century Romcoms but it certainly would have made my top ten, and so the moment Richard Curtis's new (and apparently his final) film offering ''About Time'' hit the screens, I was off to the cinema like a shot, with Emma in tow.

About Time encompasses two of my favourite themes - love/romance and time travel. It's the story of Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), a twenty one year old law student who is hit with the revelation that he (and all of the men in his family) can travel back in time. Stunned, when his father (played by the ever amazing Bill Nighy) makes this confession, Tim begins to experiment with his new found ''skill'', hoping that it might finally help him find the one thing he is desperately looking for - a girlfriend.

As in most films of this genre, Tim meets the girl of his dreams in Mary (Rachel McAdams), and after a few false starts - literally - he begins to make it work. The chemistry between all of the lead actors is strong, and let's face it - Bill Nighy and Rachel McAdams could both play trees in their respective next films and I would still adore them. The romance between Tim and Mary is lovely to watch unfold, but for me, it isn't the driving force of this film. I know, shocking, right? (Who am I?!) And, despite the opinion of a few presumptuous film reviewers, I'm pretty sure it wasn't intended to be the driving force anyway.

The film is very much focused on family, and making the most of the time you have with your loved ones. It uses the time travel plot to explore the idea of living your life to the full and what that really means. This will mean something different to everyone, and I think that's what is really special about this film. It's warm and funny and sad, and for something that many people will simply brush off as another chick flick, it has a really philosophical undertone to it. It makes you sit up and think about what and who's most important to you in life and gives you a push to remember to really value the time you spend doing what you love or relaxing with your family. You only get one shot at life, and making the most of that time is so important.

I cannot recommend this film enough, and also recommend that if and when you do see it you have a box of tissues or two on hand - I'm pretty sure 90% of the people in the cinema (including us) were bawling their eyes out when we saw it! Next on my to see list are Rush and Sunshine on Leith - what films have you been to see recently? :)

Thanks for reading!