Escape from the 21st Century

Escape from the 21st Century is a thought-provoking science fiction film that explores the concept of time travel and its potential consequences on the world. Written by Christian Ackermann and directed by Jassen Kwong, the movie takes a unique approach to the traditional time travel narrative by making the protagonists' ability to travel through time a seemingly natural and ordinary aspect of their lives. The story begins with six friends - Jay, Nick, James, Kyle, Jess, and Emma - who are hanging out in a basement when Jay accidentally discovers that their sneezes have the power to transport them 20 years into the future. Initially excited by this new ability, the friends experiment with it and find that they can go back and forth between the past and the present with minimal effort. However, as they explore the future, they begin to notice disturbing changes in the world. The friends are taken aback by the bleak outlook of society - pollution, wars, and other catastrophes have decimated the planet, leaving behind a desolate and barren landscape. They soon realize that their future selves have essentially abandoned the world, and that the only way to restore the planet is for Jay, Nick, James, Kyle, Jess, and Emma to take responsibility for saving it. As they journey through time, the friends encounter various obstacles and challenges. They meet alternative versions of themselves who are trapped in time loops, struggling to break free from their own apocalyptic destinies. They also stumble upon strange creatures that inhabit the desolate landscape, adding an air of mystery and otherworldliness to the narrative. Throughout the movie, the characters grapple with the burden of knowledge and responsibility that comes with knowing the future. They begin to question the morality of intervening in their own lives, and the potential consequences of altering the course of history. As they navigate these issues, the friends develop a greater appreciation for the present moment and the importance of living in the here and now. The movie's time travel plot also raises questions about the nature of free will and predetermination. If the friends are able to intervene in their own lives, do they really have free will, or are the events of their lives predetermined? The film leaves these questions open-ended, allowing the audience to ponder the implications of the characters' actions. One of the standout qualities of Escape from the 21st Century is its visual style, which blends gritty, post-apocalyptic landscapes with vibrant, neon-lit cityscapes. The movie's use of practical effects adds to its gritty, hands-on feel, and the production design is impressive, considering the film's low budget. The cast delivers solid performances, bringing a sense of humor and relatability to the characters. Jay and Nick, played by Alex Ziwak and Andrew Dunckley, respectively, are the de facto leaders of the group, and their comedic chemistry adds lightness to the narrative. The female leads, played by Abigail Leigh Harrison and Kandace Caine, bring a fresh perspective to the story and add depth to the characters. While the movie has its share of plot holes and inconsistencies, the overall concept of Escape from the 21st Century is compelling and thought-provoking. It challenges the audience to consider the consequences of time travel and the importance of protecting our planet. With its unique premise, memorable characters, and engaging storyline, Escape from the 21st Century is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and adventure movies.