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Frequency |
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It’s not unusual for fathers and sons to have
trouble communicating. But no gap has ever
been wider than the one bridged in
Frequency when a meteorological
anomaly reunites a troubled New York cop
with his deceased dad by letting them
converse via ham radio 30 years apart. This
intelligently written thrill ride (part
Back to the Future, part Field of
Dreams) tugs heartstrings as it races to a
wild climax.
In 1969, fireman Frank Sullivan died in the
line of duty, leaving behind his loving wife and
6-year-old son, John. But the past is about to
change. In 1999, John uses the mysterious
radio and clarity of hindsight to save his dad’s
life—a noble act that creates a devastating
wrinkle in the fabric of time-that father and son
must iron out together.
Frequency employs intense
violence as the Sullivan boys try to thwart a
serial killer. Persistent alcohol use and about
30 profanities also get in the way of this film’s
many positive messages.
The pluses? Seemingly insignificant
actions alter lives forever (a reminder that
behavior has consequences). Frank and John
feel responsible for the ripple effect they have
created and risk their lives to help others.
Scenes model affection in marriage and issue
a wake-up call to workaholics. With a soft spot
for second chances, the film recognizes the
value of healthy two-parent homes and makes
a powerful anti-smoking statement.
Male bonding over electronic gizmos and
baseball minutiae (specifically the ’69 World
Series) won’t attract hordes of teens to the
local cinema. Rather, they’ll want to see
Frequency for its mind-bending
premise and sheer velocity. Unfortunately,
escapist fun and strong pro-family signals get
interrupted by annoying bursts of static.
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