Though entertaining in parts, the story and the sci-fi elements are too clunky to make for a completely satisfying movie. The apparatus used to peer 4 days and 6 hours into the past was explained very briefly and not satisfactorily. It seemed to...
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Though entertaining in parts, the story and the sci-fi elements are too clunky to make for a completely satisfying movie. The apparatus used to peer 4 days and 6 hours into the past was explained very briefly and not satisfactorily. It seemed to be an excuse to showcase some cool video and graphics effects instead of a believable futuristic technology.

(Spoilers follow)

The ending also left me flat. The time-traveling ATF agent Doug Carlin was killed while saving the passengers on the ferry but the "other" Carlin showed up at the end. We were supposed to feel some sort of relief that he survived, sort of, but there is no real emotional connection between Carlin and Claire Kuchever. This Carlin has never met Claire and he didn't go through all the suspense and danger that the other Carlin did. Why would he believe Claire's story once she tells it?

I'm not so sure Denzel Washington was the right actor for this movie. His charismatic, improvisatory delivery didn't fit the sci-fi story. On the other hand, relative newcomer Paula Patton did a fine job in a limited role. She is also a strikingly beautiful woman, which certainly doesn't hurt.

The movie can't overcome the absurdity of the time-traveling surveillance device. There's enough action and suspense to provide some visceral entertainment but the awkward use of the time-travel plot device ultimately makes this movie disappointing. Sorry Denzel fans but I've seen him do better.