Movie review: The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

 Teenager Mark has come to terms with the fact he is living the same day in an endless loop with no end in sight. Crossing paths with Margaret, he realizes he is not alone and the two team up to figure out what has happened.

Kathryn Newton (Margaret), Kyle Allen (Mark), Jermaine Harris (Henry), Anna Mikami (Phoebe), Josh Hamilton (Daniel), Cleo Fraser (Emma), Al Madrigal (Mr. Pepper), Jorja Fox (Greta).

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things begins by bringing us up to speed on Mark's life. Living the same day over again in an endless loop, Mark has resigned himself to his reality and even enjoys it in some ways. That all changes when he encounters Margaret, another teen stuck in the same loop, and realizes he is not alone. With Mark and Margaret now working together to understand things, the remainder of the film is a fun journey of discovery wrapped in a mild love story finishing with soft conclusion that almost makes sense.

Acting was solid with both Newton and Allen delivering solid performances with good depth and emotion throughout. The two seemed to work well together, though the love story angle didn't quite land with their chemistry. Harris, Mikami, Hamilton and the remainder of the cast were good, though in much smaller roles.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nice with a solid small town feel. Action and effects were managed well and fit the film nicely. Dialogue was enjoyable with decent depth, movement, and bits of comedy. Sound and soundtrack are bland but fitting.

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things doesn't add much to the concept of a time loop and leaves plenty of unanswered questions. Yet the film is entertaining and holds interest fairly well. Aimed at teens, they will likely enjoy the teen main characters and light romance.

With a kiss and a couple of foul words, this should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 4.2.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel