Timer is an innovative concept. In the film, people can choose to be fitted with a timer which counts down until that person meets their soul mate. The timer will tell you precisely how long you will have to wait to find true love. Oona (Emma Caulfield) is in the rare situation of having a blank timer. Her soul mate has not had one implanted yet and the suspense is getting to her. Oona decides to go out of her comfort zone and begin dating a considerably younger man named Mikey (John Patrick Amedori). The only problem is that Mikey is not slated to meet his soul mate for another four months.
This film has a strong and imaginative concept. The writer/director Jac Schaeffer takes an ambitious approach at the romantic comedy genre and the result is a muddled film. The performances are mediocre and the characters are not fleshed out enough. I found myself struggling to identify with any of the characters. The concept needed to be further examined with more confrontation and a grittier approach. When attempting to make profound statements about our culture in the happy-go-lucky genre of romantic comedy it becomes difficult. By viewing this film as a critique of the popularization of internet matchmaking and dating, it asks the audience to enjoy more of the present and worry less of the future. The statement is sound, but the vision is never fully realized.
Video
Timer is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. A problem with the film is the aesthetic approach. As the film is dealing primarily in love and passion, the principal color is red. The reds should pop from the frame and be far more pronounced. Unfortunately, the film looks dull and drab. The transfer is poor and the images look blown out.
Audio
The 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound is a brilliant mix. The score is woven throughout the film with excellent precision. All of the orchestral portions sound clear and are affecting. The dialogue is always clear and pronounced. Top marks for the audio.
Audio Commentary: An informative, passionate and succinct track by the writer/director Jac Schaeffer. Too often directors overwhelm audiences with plenty of meaningless information. This was not the case with Schaeffer, a classy track with some comedic stories along the way.
Special Features
Behind the Scenes: Typical featurette.
Inside the Timer Store: A look at the production design in the film with strict attention to the Timer store.
Trailers
Blooper Reel
Deleted Scenes: All scenes are laden with character development. None would’ve added to the narrative of the film.
Final Thoughts
The film has its fair share of problems. However, the concept is smart, imaginative and poses an interesting question to its audience; would you like to know who your soul mate is? The film is worth at least one viewing with at least one grain of salt.
