Written and directed by Stimson Snead, a scientist creates a time machine and kills their younger self to see what would happen. That self-obsessed, misanthropic, mad genius of a scientist is Tim Travers, and the universe was bad enough with only one of him. Starring: Samuel Dunning, Felicia Day, Joel McHale, Danny Trejo, Keith David and Alex Terzieff.
This film coming from a director whose name sounds like it was pulled straight out of the Stan Lee playbook feels very fitting. Tim Travers and the Time Traveler’s Paradox has that old-school comic book feel of not taking itself too seriously, having fun and being unafraid to be entirely narcissistic and ridiculous. It’s safe to say that if you’re not a fan of Samuel Dunning’s Tim from the get-go, this film is not for you because it could easily be re-titled, All About Tim.
It’s a very silly story, with a love of theatrics and 1980s sense of humour, though thankfully without the typical misogyny or sleaze. It’s almost like the stoner cousin to A Knock at the Cabin, a vague, foreboding mystery with potentially disastrous consequences hangs over them, while not actually knowing what’s truly happening. Although, the idea that the world could be destroyed by one man’s ego and self-obsession, doesn’t exactly feel that far from reality. Despite that impending danger, it has a carefree feel which is surprisingly charming.
Part of that is certainly due to the performance, or many performances depending on how you want to look at it, of Samuel Dunning. He manages to create a persona that has a strong intelligence and a huge ego, with just enough arrogance balanced with a bumbling, somewhat naïve quality, that works very well. You also have to give him plenty of credit for creating so many different versions of the same character, he gives them individual personalities, adjusting enough so that they’re all Tim, but they’re not identical.
There’s then a great list of actors behind him, first and foremost Felicia Day, who sadly has a smaller role than hoped. She has a strong chemistry with Dunning so it’s a shame that she doesn’t get entirely involved, she had a lot to offer and could have balanced things more strongly. Especially in the latter half when Tim Travers and the Time Traveler’s Paradox begins to feel like it’s idling, or going over the same ground, struggling to keep up the momentum. Joel McHale makes a memorable cameo as a douchebag radio host, well befitting his skills and makes for some good banter. Plus, Keith David is always a terrific addition, he has such an excellent, entertaining presence.
Tim Travers and the Time Traveler’s Paradox is an enjoyable, silly, over the top romp into the sci-fi world. It’s a good concept and it’s executed well, with solid visuals and a great consistency but it can’t quite keep up the energy. It begins to feel like the tone isn’t evolving with the story or expanding in the latter half, feeling like it’s not getting very far, making it not the most satisfying of experiences. However, Samuel Dunning really knocks it out of the park, he’s well supported, there’s a good old-school sense of humour, and it’s a nice bit of carefree, creative fun.
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