THE TIME MACHINE

Starring: Guy Pearce, Samantha Mumba, Mark Addy, Orlando Jones and Jeremy Irons
Director: Simon Wells
Running Time: 95 mins
Certificate: PG

Professor Alexander Hartdegen (Pearce) is obsessed with his research into the more extreme theories of 19th century physics but even though his work takes up most of his day, he still makes time for the love of his life, Sarah. Marriage was the next logical step but after a romantic proposal in Central Park, the couple's happiness is cut short as a robbery goes tragically wrong. Driven by guilt and loss, Alexander throws himself even deeper into his work. Four years later, he has the answer to how he can put things right, a Time Machine. The problem is whatever he does he can't change the events of that faithful night, so he heads into the future to find out the answer to his only question in life 'Why can't he change the past?'

Based on the classic novel by H.G. Wells and brought to the big screen by his great grandson Simon Wells, the movie is a huge disappointment.

Rumours of Wells walking out on the project and over ½ hour of footage cut after the events of September 11th because the original version included the destruction of New York, the movie comes across abit of a mess. The whole thing seems rushed with the final third of the film seemingly over before it has a chance to introduce its situation and characters.

What the film does have going for it is some stunning special effects. The way the Time Machine travels through time is a visual treat and the highlight of the entire film. The creature effects on the Morlocks however, are appalling especially when you find out that they were created by Stan Winston's creature shop, which produced the Predator, the T-Rex in Jurassic Park and the Terminator.

While the assembled cast is good, particularly the always watchable Guy Pearce and a promising debut from Irish singer Samantha Mumba, their performances are let down by a lacklustre script that never really increases the drama passed walking pace.

Overall the movie is hugely frustrating as the source material had real potential and it just makes you wonder if the original cut was any better.

NOT AVAILABLE


The Usher Home | Hush, Hush... | The Big Story | The Usher Speaks

Stuck @ Home | Coming Soon | Links | Contact the Usher

The Usher 2002