Project Almanac has a strong basis, but does lose it originality towards the end of the film and its found-footage style makes it almost impossible to watch.
A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control.
The story of Project Almanac was initially quite clever, I feel it mimicked what people might actually do if a time machine existed – use it for personal gain. This was quite an interesting spin on the use of time travel in a movie. About ¾ of the way through the picture they realised that they’d changed a major event and suddenly they had to go back and fix everything – instantly it became a cliché for every other time travel movie. This film certainly had the basis of a good plot, but was spoilt towards the end.
The other element of the film, which made it almost unbearable to watch, was the found footage style it was filmed in. This essentially means the camera did not stop shaking the entire time and can make you feel quite physically sick.
The casting was accurate and clever, with all 5 of the leading cast playing their roles well.
Overall this film has the basis of a good story, but is spoilt by its clichéd ending and awful camera work.
3 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Paramount Pictures