Based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time is a Disney fantasy film. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film stars Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine and tells the story of a group of children who embark on a journey which spans time and space.

A Wrinkle in Time made its debut in 2018… but was it any good?

In this post I’m taking a look at what the critics said about the film when it opened in cinemas. Below you’ll see seven review snippets, taken from old reviews, which should tell you all you need to know about the film.

Brace yourselves – it’s not great!

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A Wrinkle in Time movie review round-up

Image: ©Walt Disney Pictures

Here’s what was said about A Wrinkle in Time back in 2018:

  • Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair, wasn’t too impressed by A Wrinkle in Time, commenting that it “can’t meet its galactic ambitions.” He added: “There’s nothing malevolent about A Wrinkle in Time, the way there is with some other big-budget misfires. The film loves you and wants to be loved, to hold and be held close. But it extends its arms in awkward ways, and can’t keep its grip as it tumbles down its wormhole.”
  • Amy Nicholson awarded A Wrinkle in Time two stars out of five, referring to it as a “glittery disappointment.”
  • Peter Debruge of Variety, was also less than impressed with A Wrinkle in Time, commenting: “Less than a month after ‘Black Panther,’ Ava DuVernay’s fantasy tentpole makes strides for representation, while botching key aspects of the beloved Madeleine L’Engle novel.”
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  • Jason Guerrasio of UK Business Insider, was also not quite taken with A Wrinkle in Time. Speaking positively, he said: “The good thing about “A Wrinkle in Time” is it has an extremely powerful message for kids. It features a strong family structure, encourages you to love the qualities that make you unique, and has a diverse cast. At the very least, DuVernay delivers a story that will speak to all kinds of young people.” But, ultimately he said: “A Wrinkle in Time has a strong message for kids, but is plagued by a dragging story and lame special effects.”
Image: ©Walt Disney Pictures
  • David Fear of Rolling Stone awarded A Wrinkle in Time three stars (out of four), calling the movie a “magnificently weird, messy blockbuster.” He said: “From the moment Winfrey’s gigantic earth mother starts making a backyard bend and ripple like a disturbed waterbed, Wrinkle begins toggling between very familiar multiplex fodder and a sort of Fischer-Price’s My First Acid Trip.”
  • Darren Franich of Entertainment Weekly awarded A Wrinkle in Time a Grade ‘C’, commenting: “Almost nothing works, but there are bursts of real camp energy.”
  • And finally, Julian Roman of Movie Web, said: “A Wrinkle in Time is well meaning, but falls short on almost every front.”

Oh dear.

The general feeling was that A Wrinkle in Time was a bit of a misfire for Disney. And at the time of its release, it pretty much came and went from cinemas with little fanfare.

But do you agree with what the critics said? Are you a fan of A Wrinkle in Time? Whatever your thoughts and opinions, sound off in the comments section.

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