Because I was on a time travel kick after watching "Primer," I decided to watch another movie about it, "Safety Not Guaranteed." It turned out to be the polar opposite, but more enjoyable.
"Primer" was deadly serious and intellectual, and pulled it off because the intellect was really there. "Safety Not Guaranteed" was far from serious, and for much of the film you take it as a comedy. What it is is a film about life, and life's quirky characters, and how wonderful quirky can be. The basic plot is that some folks in need of a vacation at Seattle Times magazine discover an ad that reads: "Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. P.O. Box 91 Ocean View, WA 99393. You'll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed. I have only done this once before." They talk their editor into sending them off to interview the guy, "them" being a guy who wants to go to this town to visit an old girlfriend, a virginal Indian intern along for the adventure, and a young female intern who considers herself a loser, in search of something, anything that will make her life seem more interesting. The actors are wonderful, especially Mark Duplass (from "The League" and "Zero Dark Thirty") as the guy advertising the adventure, Aubrey Plaza (from "Parks And Recreation") as the young female intern, and Jake Johnson (from "New Girl") as the editor guy hoping to hook up with his old girlfriend while his magazine pays for the vacation. And the result is utterly charming, with time travel becoming the least of the issues. I'm not alone in my appreciation for this film. Roger Ebert gave it 3-1/2 stars (out of four), and loved it. And with good reason, in my opinion.
