Time At The Top

Time At The Top is a captivating family drama and science-fiction film directed by Jimmy Kaufman. Released in 1999, this movie is based on the novel by Edward Ormondroyd and features a star-studded cast, including Timothy Busfield, Elisha Cuthbert, and Gabrielle Boni, who deliver commendable performances that will keep the viewers hooked until the very end.

The story of Time At The Top seamlessly weaves the fabric of time travel, interpersonal relationships, and economic disparities. This peculiar concoction finds firm grounding in the earnest performances of its lead cast, adding depth to the unique narrative and the unexpected twists that follow.

The film introduces us to a 14-year-old Susan Shawson (played by Elisha Cuthbert), who is living a modern-day life in Canada. Susan is an independent and spirited youngster who is passionate about using her intelligence to make a difference. She lives with her dedicated and loving single dad, played by Timothy Busfield, who works incredibly hard as a real estate agent to provide a comfortable life for his daughter. Despite their financial constraints, their mutual love and respect for each other remain unswerving, instilling warmth into the storyline.

One day, Susan stumbles upon an antique elevator while visiting a client's apartment with her dad. This is no ordinary elevator — it contains a peculiar element of time travel, a facet of science fiction that the film beautifully embroiders into its fabric. To Susan's surprise, she finds herself transported back to the Victorian era, more specifically, in the year 1881.

The plot thickens as Susan experiences the stark contrast between her modern-day life and the 19th-century environment. The Victorian era presents a new set of challenges and societal norms to navigate, but also the thrill and excitement of the unknown, and most pertinently, her newfound ability to travel through time.

In the year 1881, she meets the Spargo family led by the matriarch Victoria Spargo, admirably portrayed by Gabrielle Boni. Victoria is a widow trying to raise her three children in a world that is less forgiving to women. Despite her best efforts, times have been tough.

But with Susan's arrival, there emerges a ray of hope. Along with the element of time travel, the theme of friendship and kinship plays an integral part in the narrative. Susan's interactions with the Spargos is heartwarming, bridging the gap between two vastly different time periods.

She faces the challenge to help the Spargos without altering history in a significant way, which brings about several intriguing situations. The film skillfully depicts the juxtaposition between Susan's life in both epochs, keeping audiences on the edge of their seat with anticipation and excitement.

Timothy Busfield, besides being the distressed yet loving father in the modern era, also has a vital role in 1881. But his identity in the Victorian era is something to be discovered, adding another layer to his character and the movie's plot.

Elisha Cuthbert, as the young and determined Susan, steals the show. Her success in portraying a bold, resourceful and compassionate adolescent on a mission is notable. The young actress effortlessly oscillates between the two contrasting worlds, engaging the viewers no matter the setting.

Time At The Top is more than just a time-travel adventure. It is a tale that explores the themes of family, friendship, compassion, and economic disparity across different periods. It educates and engages, all while entertaining the viewer with elements of mystery, adventure, and warmth.

The film leaves a lasting impression with its promising storytelling, impressive performances, and a unique narrative tinged with thought-provoking timelines. A must-watch for fans of time travel and family dramas, Time At The Top promises an enjoyable cinematic experience sprinkled with lessons on life, love, and societal norms.