DÉJÀ VU

I had low expectations of this film, directed as it is by Tony Scott (who I don't much rate) and scoring a modest 56% on Rotten Tomatoes.

In fact I enjoyed it a lot.  Admittedly the story hinges on a ludicrous time-travel device which may be a problem for some viewers and critics, but I can always suspend disbelief if the film is strong enough.  Here the direction and writing is good enough to allow me to do that.

But the key ingredient is Denzel Washington as an ATF agent, Doug, investigating a bomb that has killed over 500 people on a car ferry.  He becomes obsessed with a woman, Claire, killed by the terrorist before the bomb is set off, to the point where he risks his life going back in time(!) to save her (and, let's not forget, all the people who died on the ferry, even though that does seem incidental to Doug’s motivation). 

Scott has the good sense not to derail the story with too many action sequences, or the flashy visuals we associate with him - in fact I found this film to be generally pleasing on the eye.

I liked all the supporting cast, including Val Kilmer (somewhat underused), whose performances help ground the film.  And as a time-travel nerd I appreciated the fun the writers had with the concept, especially the ending.

So a thumbs-up for this Scott-Washington collaboration, described perfectly by one critic as "the right side of dumb".

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do