by Henry Pham
Sean Astin is a brilliant actor; not only has he appeared in The Goonies and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but he has also shown support for low-budget, independent films, an action that many celebrities take to heart in order to save cinema. Matter of Time focuses on Charlie Fleck, a 29-year-old aspiring videogame designer, who is given the opportunity of a lifetime with a time-stopping device given by his friend, Gibbs, an eccentric toy shop owner. To meet a deadline to pitch his game to a major studio, he uses a time-stopping device that his friend hesitantly lets him borrow. However, the real question is whether he will be able to save the day or lose days of his life.
Myles Erlick (Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story) delivers a strong performance as Charlie, an aspiring video game designer. Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) is outstanding as Gibbs, bringing heart, integrity, and dedication to the role. Astin’s extensive experience is evident, and his enthusiasm for filmmaking shines through. Notably, his eldest daughter, Ali Astin, appears alongside him, marking their first film together. The supporting cast, including Jamie Alexander, Patrick Britton, Quinn Angell, Akina Wylie, and Casey Siemer, is both engaging and polished.
Directed and co-written by Jeremy Snead, the film centers on time travel, a genre that appeals to those interested in deeper cinematic experiences. The cinematography and direction skillfully transition between live-action and video game-inspired visuals, complementing both the cast and the narrative. The film offers insight into the effort behind video game creation, which may change your perspective on the industry. A major event at the 100-minute mark feels like it goes too fast, making the extended runtime surprisingly unexpected. The pacing, particularly in the second act, is slow, and some scenes are repetitive, which can make it difficult to connect with the characters. Despite this, the story is heartfelt and humorous, and the absence of strong language makes it accessible to a wide audience, including children.
Matter of Time is a wonderful movie that gives the vibes of a classic science fiction movie. It is enjoyable and well done, as the filmmakers and the entire cast have given this movie a heartfelt look into the video game culture. The cast is admirable, but Sean Astin is terrific, without a doubt. He seems like he is a fun actor to watch, and he makes subtle Lord of the Rings references and nods to the film. It is a powerful message about value and friendships, and it is a great movie for everyone. It is a must-see, and I’m sure fans of both video games and Sean Astin will love and appreciate this beautiful masterpiece. It runs about 104 minutes long and is available on streaming platforms.
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