Frequency
Defttly combining elements of sentimental family drama, sci-fi time travel fantasy, and taut serial killer thriller, director Gregory Hoblit comes up with his best effort to date thanks to the brilliant story and concept by writer Toby Emmerich. As the cop who manages to connect to his long-dead father 30 years earlier via HAM radio, James Caviezel showed his first signs of promise as he realizes that not only does he have a connection to his long-lost patriarch, but he now possesses the ability to change the past and present while saving his life. Dennis Quaid (one of the more underrated actors ever when it comes to projecting rock-solid American values) gives his all as the heroic fireman father, and thankfully the story gives him much more to do than sit in front of the radio scene after scene. Unlike Back To The Future, where the McFly character changes his past and present yet has no inherited memories of his new reality, this story plays fair by having Caviezel literally “download” new memories into his psyche whenever an event in the past is changed, yet still retaining full awareness of what things were like before. Indeed, the father and son reconnecting dynamic would have been more than enough to carry the film on an emotional level, but then the serial killer element is introduced to the story, as the cop son needs his father’s help in the past to help bring the killer to justice. The viewer may have some confusion about continuity as the story reaches its climax (Was the killer actually in the hospital needing care and within a day or two was back out stalking his prey? Did the killer actually sit and wait for 30 years before making his move on Caviezel in the climax??), and the explanation of having the Aurora Borealis in the sky cause the unnatural events is a little long-winded and confusing, but in the end it all adds up to a satisfying conclusion that will leave many viewers teary-eyed. As for the supporting cast, Andre Braugher finally gets a role with substance and runs with it, unlike many of the moronic reactionaries he gets saddled with in other movies; Elizabeth Mitchell as the wife / mother is beautiful and gets some touching moments of her own; and Noah Emmerich repeats his Truman Show schtick as the best friend and drinking buddy. The screenplay’s use of having the 1969 World Series being played during the events we see (allowing Caviezel to convince people he’s on the level by always knowing the outcome of each game) is clever and helps give the story credibility. Overall, a VERY solid notch in the belt for the old acting vet Quaid, and a sign that Caviezel could have a brilliant career ahead of him if he makes the right acting choices…
9/10