Frequency (B+ or 3.5/4 stars)
The story in 'Frequency' (directed by Gregory Hoblit) is complicated (some might say ridiculous) to explain, but I'll give it a go. 36 yr. old homicide detective John Sullivan (Jim Caviezel) lives in the same Queens, NY house in which he grew up with his firefighter dad, Frank (Dennis Quaid) & nurse mom, Julia (Elizabeth Mitchell). Frank died a hero on 10/12/1969 (John was only 6) on duty in a warehouse fire. Despite Frank dying when John was young, John remembers dad well; as he has a keepsake book of photos & news clippings about Frank, who was also a big Mets fan. Now, on 10/10/1999, nearly 30 yrs. to the day of Frank's death, John finds Frank's old short-wave ham radio, which Frank used to speak to people around the world.
A discussion about the '69 World Series with the 1st person he makes contact with on said radio makes John come to the realization that he is actually speaking to his dad who is using the same exact radio & sitting at the same desk in the same house from 30 yrs. back! They don't know 'how' they could be communicating with each other (the rare atmospheric phenomenon, Aurora Borealis), but they're happy about it. And John tries to use whatever info he has to help his dad, especially in preventing his death in the fire; "when you're in the fire, go against your instinct!".
But John & Frank learn that knowledge is a powerful thing which can lead to good & bad as John realizes that - by changing history, he has triggered a new sets of tragic events, including the murder of his mother (by a serial nurse killer known as The Nightingale). John & Frank work together (from diff't eras) to find the identity of the killer & save Julia. But John must also deal with the enormous consequences of his actions. Melodrama ensues.
The time-travel premise for 'Frequency' is inherently intriguing. The only problem I could see audiences having with the film is: a lot has to be taken on faith. Suspension of disbelief is needed. You're asked to believe that 2 grown men can talk to each other through a radio; separated by 30 yrs. You're asked to believe that info from the future can result in changes from the past. And most importantly, you're asked to believe that an Aurora Borealis can make all of this happen. There are flaws in the logic of this film {duh}. But if you buy it & enjoy the characters & enjoy what occurs, then you shouldn't have any problem with the film.
'Frequency' is a skillful (from all facets of filmmaking), tense, & immensely satisfying time-warp thriller -- unpredictable, too. The film is a whirl of plot incident, & you never quite know if John will be able to save his dad & (more importantly) mom from what's to occur. The other winning factor of 'Frequency' is the warmth & emotion in the script. We really pull for John & Frank to make magic happen, so to speak. And the performances go a long way in making that happen.
Jim Caviezel is so earnest in this portrayal; you can't help but love him. Yes he's moody, yes he's an alcoholic, but we pull for him. Watching him realize that he's actually talking to his dad is something to see. Quaid is also great as the likeable father. Elizabeth Mitchell exudes warmth as Julia. And both Andre Brougher & Noah Emmerich (Frank's friend, John's friend) gave nice supporting turns. You know, there are some too-coincidental plot points as the film charges through its climax. Maybe it needed another 15 minutes to flesh things out. But as mentioned, 'Frequency' is a hard-to-resist film experience (especially if you're interested in the mystery of time and/or lost a loved one & dreamed about talking to them again). It's complicated; sentimental, too. But frankly, I didn't care. Loved it.
A discussion about the '69 World Series with the 1st person he makes contact with on said radio makes John come to the realization that he is actually speaking to his dad who is using the same exact radio & sitting at the same desk in the same house from 30 yrs. back! They don't know 'how' they could be communicating with each other (the rare atmospheric phenomenon, Aurora Borealis), but they're happy about it. And John tries to use whatever info he has to help his dad, especially in preventing his death in the fire; "when you're in the fire, go against your instinct!".
But John & Frank learn that knowledge is a powerful thing which can lead to good & bad as John realizes that - by changing history, he has triggered a new sets of tragic events, including the murder of his mother (by a serial nurse killer known as The Nightingale). John & Frank work together (from diff't eras) to find the identity of the killer & save Julia. But John must also deal with the enormous consequences of his actions. Melodrama ensues.
The time-travel premise for 'Frequency' is inherently intriguing. The only problem I could see audiences having with the film is: a lot has to be taken on faith. Suspension of disbelief is needed. You're asked to believe that 2 grown men can talk to each other through a radio; separated by 30 yrs. You're asked to believe that info from the future can result in changes from the past. And most importantly, you're asked to believe that an Aurora Borealis can make all of this happen. There are flaws in the logic of this film {duh}. But if you buy it & enjoy the characters & enjoy what occurs, then you shouldn't have any problem with the film.
'Frequency' is a skillful (from all facets of filmmaking), tense, & immensely satisfying time-warp thriller -- unpredictable, too. The film is a whirl of plot incident, & you never quite know if John will be able to save his dad & (more importantly) mom from what's to occur. The other winning factor of 'Frequency' is the warmth & emotion in the script. We really pull for John & Frank to make magic happen, so to speak. And the performances go a long way in making that happen.
Jim Caviezel is so earnest in this portrayal; you can't help but love him. Yes he's moody, yes he's an alcoholic, but we pull for him. Watching him realize that he's actually talking to his dad is something to see. Quaid is also great as the likeable father. Elizabeth Mitchell exudes warmth as Julia. And both Andre Brougher & Noah Emmerich (Frank's friend, John's friend) gave nice supporting turns. You know, there are some too-coincidental plot points as the film charges through its climax. Maybe it needed another 15 minutes to flesh things out. But as mentioned, 'Frequency' is a hard-to-resist film experience (especially if you're interested in the mystery of time and/or lost a loved one & dreamed about talking to them again). It's complicated; sentimental, too. But frankly, I didn't care. Loved it.