Aliens and Time Travel Collide: A Riveting Review of the 2021 Sci Fi Film 'Out of Time'

"Aliens and time travel, two recurring motifs in the edifice of sci-fi genre. A myriad of popular classics such as Back to Future (1985) and Alien (1979) have ventured into these realms. The 2021 flick, Out of Time, ingeniously dovetails both concepts rendering an exhilarating ride for all ages. The intriguing opening scene by director and writer Matt Handy, despite the labyrinth of complexity, holds the potential to magnetically draw viewers' attention. However, its sparkle is somewhat dimmed by its failure to ascend to the summit of a cult classic due to evident flaws.

Main Plot of Out of Time (2021)

The grand kick-off is marked by the sudden appearance of three men through a mysterious purple portal in the Mojave Desert, tailed by our male lead, Special Agent Cooper. Subsequent archival footages dovetail an extraterrestrial spaceship crash in the WW2 period. A predictably intrigued government soon initiates experimentation with this newly discovered technology.

An abrupt slowdown in narrative pace featuring character introductions result in a tad tedious stretch of about 20 minutes. Here, we meet our female protagonist, LAPD detective Lisa, a specialist in missing person cases. She is tasked with tracing an elderly man, Vernon, whose younger version makes an appearance in the opening scene, subtly connecting the dots. Post an unexpected homecoming scene involving a cheating fiancée, Lisa fortuitously teams up with Cooper where the narrative regains its lost momentum.

The ominous plan of the trio to signal their mothership to commence Earth's destruction unfolds. An exciting pursuit ensues, leading to Cooper and Lisa discovering an inhabited driver's body. This astonishing revelation, a technical miracle for the 1951 era, was made possible through EKG machine readings. The climax, a thrilling fight and the imminent possibility of possession, pressures Lisa into a thorough investigation into Cooper's mysterious existence.

Characters and Cast of Out of Time (2021)

The narrative core is supported by the engaging dynamics between Special agent Cooper, portrayed by Blake Boyd, and Detective Lisa, enacted by Nadége August. Boyd commendably embodies a bewildered outsider, contributing to the comic tone with his marvel at modern technological advancements and the revolutionary concept of female officers. In contrast, August capably portrays Lisa's bafflement. The intriguing tension-filled confrontation scene amidst alien incursions and Lisa's hunt for the elusive information about Cooper is noteworthy in their performances.

Conversely, a lackluster portrayal of the alien antagonists alongside a chunk of forced dialogues detracts from the overall performance. The intended seriousness occasionally verges on humor due to the dialogue's goofy quality, providing an odd sense of enjoyment.

Trailers and Release Info of Out of Time (2021)

Out of Time hit the screens on February 12, 2021, under Creekview Entertainment and with a concise runtime of 92 minutes. It is readily available on Amazon Prime to its members. A creatively designed trailer, with a pervasive dramatic tone, recreates a thrilling confrontation scene, amplified with action-packed montages succinctly representing the plot twists.

Reviews of Out of Time (2021)

Primarily, Out of Time is an agreeably engaging film, although it might not scale the heights of a blockbuster or cult classic. It commendably narrates a cogent story laced with elementary yet effective special effects. The distinctiveness of the characters, barring the stereotypically cartoonish antagonists, add to its appeal.

If an entertaining, uncomplicated narrative appeals to your taste, this film deserves a shot. And for sci-fi aficionados, a delightful nod to Alien serves as a surprise treat!"