Near impossible to discuss without spoilers, the plot of this science fiction yarn revolves around a single father who comes to believe that something is amiss with the latest guests at his country inn. It turns out that he is correct and the tenants are in fact time travelers from the future who go back in time to sightsee natural disasters as they occur. It is an interesting idea and one that taps well into humankind's natural morbid fascination with catastrophes. There is also quite a bit to consider with the way the tourists have the power to change the past but do not dare, lest they affect their present day reality. It never quite rings true how the innkeeper stumbles onto the secret through one of the tourists being careless, nor does it quite make sense that he would automatically believe everything he is told, but if one accepts the film's few improbabilities and runs with it, it is an encapsulating ride. Jeff Daniels is terrific in the lead role with his dedication towards his daughter, and his resentment over how he 'let' his wife die, resonating strongly. His performance becomes particularly dynamic in the final half-hour of the film as he travels back in time and gets to argue with his past self. Ariana Richards (from 'Jurassic Park') is every bit his equal as his mature daughter and the film is generally well acted. Released straight to cable/video in some areas, 'Timescape' has never quite gained the cult following that it perhaps should have and with the subsequent successes of director David Twohy, it deserves to be rediscovered.

I'll always remember hiring this as a VHS video under its alternate title "Timescape" the same evening as hiring "Frankenstein Unbound" for mini time travel evening.Jeff Daniels is the reliable Daniels we've come to know in Arachnaphobia etc, and his position in the story has some curious parallels with that movie.The story is entertaining, ideal for fans of The Outer Limits or Twilight Zone; indeed it could have been an extended episode of these shows.There's a great man meets himself section, some great time travel plot twists, and to top it all, the appearance of Mr Time Tunnel in a funny suit! Great entertainment.

Because it seems that only the viewers who were positive about this film have reacted thus far, I feel compelled to hand over my own, once again grouchy contribution. First of all, the way time traveling is portrayed here is laughably besides any possible reality. Of course, most time travel movies suffer in this regard, but in Timescape they take it far too seriously. Some reviewers talk about a witty, intelligent story that will make you think. Well, no, it rather makes me sleep. Jeff Daniels is very middle of the road and the disaster groupies, though coming from the future, do not make a smart and well-prepared impression, to say the least.

I saw this film on TV and it reminded me of a Sci-Fi story I had read many years ago in a Sci-Fi magazine called, at that time, "Astounding Science Fiction". The title of the story was "Vintage Season" and I believe the author was Lawrence O'Donnell. Incidentally, I still have the magazine. This information may be of use to followers of this genre and if anyone knows how I may be able to obtain a copy of a later published book by this author containing this story I would appreciate it.As far as the film is concerned I must add that, in my opinion, it was cleverly directed and the acting by Jeff Daniels was up to his usual good standard. There is no need for me to outline the plot as this has already been done except to say that, although I personally have always been interested in time travel stories and/or films, there is no need to be acquainted with this genre to follow the plot and enjoy the film. I saw the film under the title "Timescape" which is elusive enough to attract attention. In my opinion the film has a softer and more acceptable ending than the story but otherwise adheres to the original quite well. I would give it full marks as a film which does not contain any far-fetched sequences so often included in other films of this genre.