Lackluster. That is the best word to describe the painful-to-watch “A Cabin in Time.” Its plot, involving a tragic love story from the past courtesy of a ghost who haunts a cabin in present time, has been done before in variation. It presents nothing new in any way, shape or form, and everything about it screams, “Why, Lord? Why would anyone watch this film?” That is a question for which I have no answer.
Try as I might, I can’t find any reason to recommend even a casual viewing. The acting is as brutally handled as is the story. The cinematography reeks of high school. And the music? Don’t hire your friends. All of this leads to an experience akin to dousing one’s self in gasoline and then forgetting the match. It’s all rather boring by that point.
If I sound harsh, it’s because it is obvious that there is some work that went into this film. Not only is there work behind it, but also some thought. What it lacked, however, was skill. Let’s face it, when you are an independent filmmaker and you make something that, had you the talent, connections and money, is mainstream enough to come out of Hollywood, you better dazzle your audience in some fashion. Otherwise, all they can see are the flaws because they are used to seeing a finished, shined product. This movie is nothing but flaws, and they are all very noticeable. My advice to potential viewers? Cut your lawn instead. You’ll get more satisfaction from that then you ever will from this bit of cinema.
