A WRINKLE IN TIME opens in theaters today, March 9th, and social media is all abuzz about this film and its message!  After having had opportunity to pre-screen the film, I thought I would pen a few “takeaways” that stuck with me after watching it.

Initial Thoughts

Disclaimer: I had the opportunity to attend a media screening for the movie as a guest of friends invited by Walt Disney Entertainment.  As an attendee, I was compensated in the form of a movie ticket.  While I am beyond grateful for the opportunity, the thoughts and opinions below are original and mine alone.

As noted above, I attended a media screening on Tuesday, March 6th,  for the  newly released A WRINKLE IN TIME.   I was looking forward to the event.  It was a chance for me to spend time with some great friends, as well as enjoy a well-deserved night out of the house.

When I entered the theater, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, to be honest.  I had not previously read the classic novel by Madeleine L’Engle, nor was I familiar with the plot or message.  However, I knew that the Oscar-winner director, Ava DuVernay, was spectacular and had a track record of producing award-winning material.   I also knew that the cast (including such talent as Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Storm Reid and Chris Pine) was well-rounded and mesmerizing.

“From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space,  examining the nature of darkness versus light and, ultimately, the triumph of love. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.” ~ courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

My Three After-Movie Takeaways

It was clear from the beginning that the story is meant to inspire, encourage, educate and motivate (four things that I admire very much).  It contains a pertinent lesson that transcends numerous barriers – age, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.  Three particular things, however, stood out to me.   These are timeless truths that I have discussed with my own sons throughout the years.  Not to mention, they are truths of which I need to be reminded from time to time myself.

1. Be a light

It seems that today’s world is being more rapidly overcome by darkness.   It is so easy to let greed, anger,  jealousy and fear seep into the psyche, ultimately allowing them to find a way into our physical actions and reactions.  To stand strong, to be a positive force in such dark situations takes strength and tremendous courage.   This film emphasizes not only the need for that light, but how much strength it may actually take to disspell the power of darkness.  It is not an easy road to walk, nor a simple journey to take, but the movie shows the benefits of persevering in those positive endeavors.

2. Don’t be afraid to try

Meg has her hesitations.  She has her quips and her apprehensions.  Her faults prevent her from moving forward and doing what is necessary in order to accomplish the task at hand.  It is difficult for her to trust others as the world around her has not given her much reason to do so.  As  one of the celestial beings encourages, her greatest gifts ARE her faults and she needed to tap into them in order to break down the wall that was keeping her from the next step.  It’s easy to let our fears and concerns control us, but they keep us from success, accomplishment and seeing our true potential.  Stand up, acknowledge what binds you and then burst the bubble they keep you in so that you can understand everything you are capable of doing.

3. Not everything is as it seems

Too often, the picture we see does not convey the true reality that exists.  We hide behind our insecurities and our own pain, ultimately projecting it on to others.  The result is misunderstanding, contagious negativity and the injurious growth of insult.   It is important for us to stand back and assess any and all situations in their entirety.    Why is someone acting the way they are?   Do we know the whole story?  Am I reading the scenario correctly?  What can I do to change the situation’s course in a more positive direction? Be careful not to judge too quickly.  It may simply be a matter of knowing the other person is in pain, too.

Targeted Audience

A WRINKLE IN TIME is definitely geared more towards capturing the minds and hearts of our pre-teenage generation.  It speaks directly to them in a way in which they can relate.  The dialogue, the ages of the main characters, the battles they face, the struggles they are trying so hard to overcome ~ all of these are part of the movie’s framework.   As you can see, however, the message is timeless and ageless and  is something the adult mind needs to grasp, as well.

Is the movie fit for the younger generation? 

This is a decision best left to the child’s individual parent(s).   I will say, as many of my other writer friends are relaying, there are a few dark moments.  If you have a child who is sensitive to dark scenes, there is a section of the movie that focuses on the evil forces at work.   The youngest character, Charles Wallace, is affected and this in itself could be disturbing to those who may not handle scenes like this very well.

There is no gore, no sexual nudity (outside a reference made while Mrs. Whatsit changes forms, but nothing is seen).  There is some violence, but nothing worrisome (in my “mother-of-almost-all-teens” opinion) or near what we see in most films today.

If your child has any issues with any of the above, you may simply want to do some more blog and review research so you can make a well informed decision regarding whether or not this is a good movie for your child to see.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend this movie to families?  Ultimately, I would have to say yes.  I would perhaps recommend an age of 8 and up, but again ~ parents make your own informed decisions.  The film A WRINKLE IN TIME is a good family movie with a clear, well put together message.  It encourages positivity, confidence  and courage.   The story calls us to be warriors against the evil in this world.   It emphasizes the power of overcoming our fears and letting love be our source of strength.  Evil is not the victor in this film.  Our children NEED to see that they can stand up to those forces that delude them to think otherwise.

Enjoy the time together watching this movie as a family.   Read the book (as I plan on doing this weekend) to fill in some of the holes.  When it is all said and done, be sure to put the story’s message into action.

BE A LIGHT!!!  BE A WARRIOR!!! 

The movie comes out today ~ grab your tickets and enjoy the film!

• Like A WRINKLE IN TIME on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WrinkleInTimeMovie/
• Follow A WRINKLE IN TIME on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WrinkleinTime
• Follow A WRINKLE IN TIME on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrinkleintime/
• Visit the official A WRINKLE IN TIME website here: http://movies.disney.com/a-wrinkle-in-time

All photos © Walt Disney Studios