Is Time Scanners: Jerusalem Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2016, Time Scanners: Jerusalem represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Join structural engineer Steve Burrows and his team of laser-scanning experts as they set out to explore the epic building legacy of Jerusalem. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Join structural engineer Steve Burrows and his team of laser-scanning experts as they set out to explore the epic building legacy of Jerusalem. Their focus is on two of the most impressive engineering creations of the ancients: the Temple Mount, a holy icon larger than 20 football fields, and the man-made mountain of Herodium, an opulent palace built on top of millions of tons of hand carved rock. Both structures were created by King Herod the Great - known as one of history's most reviled characters, but also known for his visionary engineering. From the iconic Wailing Wall to deep into the dangerous West Bank, Steve and his team travel across Jerusalem and beyond on the trail of King Herod's remarkable building ambitions. Using cutting-edge laser technology to analyze constructions made at the time of Christ, they discover new revelations about the skills of Herod's ancient builders, and answer long held mysteries about his magnificent structures."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Steve Burrows provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Jay Taylor is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 60 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Time Scanners: Jerusalem truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Time Scanners: Jerusalem explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jay Taylor respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Time Scanners: Jerusalem is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Steve Burrows or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Time Scanners: Jerusalem is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.