Book to Movie: A Wrinkle in Time

One of my favorite childhood books was Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, an action-adventure story that transports us across the universe as the Murry children and a friend search for Mr. Murry, who went missing four years earlier.

You should have seen my smile when I learned Disney was bringing A Wrinkle in Time to the big screen. I was even happier, though, when Disney gave me the chance to help celebrate this week's release of the Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital download versions of the movie.

Thanks to Disney, I was able to watch A Wrinkle of Time in the comfort of my own home. And, as of this week, you too can own a copy of the movie. Disney made my viewing experience red-carpet special: I snuggled up in a plush throw and drank tea from my Wrinkle in Time mug.

This weekend I plan to re-read the book and was happy to see the movie tie-in paperback has a color insert with photos of the cast! I love the sparkly lined journal, which is perfect for recording the ways I can bring light into the world. (see the photo at the right)

If you're unfamiliar with the book or movie, A Wrinkle in Time is the story of how Meg and Charles Wallace Murry and their friend Calvin search the universe to find Mr. Murry, a scientist who has discovered a way to travel faster than light. They get help and advice from otherworldly beings but in the end must rely on themselves to face down the ultimate, dark evil.

The movie thus has two sets of stars. The three women who help the children are played by Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling. The kids are played by Storm Reid, Levi Miller, and Deric McCabe. The casting was a piece of brilliance, as there were no weak links in either set of actors. Reid, who plays Meg, was especially believable and shines in almost every scene.

As with all book to film adaptations, A Wrinkle in Time doesn't follow L'Engle's plot in scrupulous detail, but the screen play captures many of the major moments. The settings are gorgeous, and I loved the soundtrack. I also appreciate that the movie includes a diverse cast.

Director Ava DuVernay and writers Jennifer Lee and Jeff Stockwell sure know how to tug at your heartstrings. As the younger crowd used to say: OMG.All.The.Feels! You'll definitely want to keep the tissues handy while you get ready to find your inner strength and the courage to become a warrior.

The themes in A Wrinkle in Time include self-acceptance, love, faith, and trust. The novel stresses more traditional forms of faith (Christianity), but the movie takes a broader view of healing the world through love.

The movie version of A Wrinkle in Time condenses the novel and tweaks the perspective for a twenty-first-century audience, but Meg's personal journey to self-acceptance is worth the trip. Note that you don't have to be a science fiction fan to enjoy this movie. Check out the trailer:

Thanks again to Disney for the opportunity to review the movie and for the very cool swag.