Frequency

Frequency
Cast: Dennis Quaid
Studio: New Line
Rating: 7.5/10

Anything’s possible in the movies, right? Well, that’s the position Frequency takes with its stretch-of-the-imagination plot line and outrageous special effects.

Centered around aurora borealis, Frequency toys with the ‘what if?’ notion in one of the most original ways to date. It’s 1999 and John Sullivan (Jim Caviezel) has just run across his father’s old ham radio. Amazingly enough, a signal is reached and he is able to communicate with his father, Frank (Dennis Quaid), back in 1969. Across these lines, John is able to warn Frank of his upcoming death, which consequently changes the past, present, and future, effecting more lives than they had bargained for. I know the premise sounds a bit confusing. It’s one of those you just have to see to believe, but believe me, it’s worth seeing.

Tightly directed by Gregory Hoblit (Primal Fear), Frequency crosses the bounds of parallel universes and thirty long years with great enthusiasm and ease. You’d think with such a complex concept, some details would be passed over. Not so. Anything that could be perceived as illogical or that might have been overlooked is taken care of and addressed in some form or another. The entire movie is very well planned out.

Though a fast-paced, energizing thriller, Frequency is not without faults. Dennis Quaid’s phony Bronx accent is at times a complete distraction from the intensity at hand. And the beginning carries a made-for-TV atmosphere that comes across as cheesy and overly dramatic. It’s not until Frank’s judgement day is altered and the sub-plot of serial killings is introduced that the movie truly picks up. What you’ve got from that point on is a mind-boggling tunnel of events that spiral out of control to the point of anti-climatic conclusion. I guess you could say the ending isn’t quite satisfying, but that’s forgivable.

Frequency is a perfect example of magical realism. It’s hard not to be suckered into John and Frank’s nightmare, no matter how far-fetched it may seem. If you can let that little voice of reason go for at least two hours, it will be well worth your time. Frequency has the ability to take you places you never dreamed possible; you just have to buy into the ridiculous premise that allows it to happen.

+ Ashley Adams


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