This gem of a movie stands out as one of the year’s best.
When a newspaper investigates an advertisement seeking a time-travel partner, everyone figures the person who placed it will be a real kook. Such is the case when journalism-intern Darius (Aubrey Plaza) meets wannabe time-traveler Kenneth (Mark Duplass). He’s an obsessive sort who wants to travel back in time to save an ex-girlfriend, and Darius can’t help but find his scheme endearing.
There are wonderful side stories involving Darius’ boss (Jake Johnson), who uses the investigative-journalism trip to hook up with an old flame. And there’s co-worker Arnau (Karan Soni), a shy virgin who happens to look really good when he puts on sunglasses.
Johnson (funny as the principal in this year’s 21 Jump Street) is a real standout, delivering hilarious and heartfelt work as an aging playboy who has a strange way of trying to help others. This guy has monster comic timing. Duplass is also great as the crazy love interest who thinks he’s being followed—but he won’t let that deter his training.
However, this is Plaza’s movie. She is a genius of deadpan humor on TV’s Parks and Recreation, and she puts that to work here. She also shows that she can handle dramatic and heartfelt moments with the best of them. She’s got a good career in front of her.
This is, in many ways, a little movie with grand ideas, and those ideas are played out perfectly. No movie this year has left me smiling like this one did. It’s one of those movies that come out of nowhere to charm you.
SPECIAL FEATURES: The Blu-ray is a bust when it comes to special features: You only get a short about the original ad on which the film is based, and a quick look behind the scenes. A Plaza and Johnson commentary should’ve been a must, but is nowhere to be found. Boo!