Movie review: Time After Time: Special Edition

H.G. Wells doesn't realize he is keeping company with Jack the Ripper until Jack steals his time machine and heads to the late 1970's. Pursuing Jack into the future, H.G. faces disbelief from authorities but gets help from Amy, a bank clerk who touches his heart while helping him search for Jack.

Malcolm McDowell (H.G. Wells), David Warner (Stevenson/Jack), Mary Steenburgen (Amy), Charles Cioffi (Lt. Mitchell), Kent Williams (Assistant), Andonia Katsaros (Mrs. Turner), Patti D'Arbanville (Shirley), James Garrett (Edwards).

In 1893 London, H.G. Wells has built a time machine which he plans to ride into what he believes will be a Utopian future. Instead his friend Stevenson, who unbeknownst to everyone is actually Jack the Ripper, steals the time machine as the police are closing in and travels to the late 1970's. Feeling responsible, Wells chases Jack through time where he also meets Amy. Teaming up to find Jack, Amy teaches Wells about life and love.

Acting was the highlight of this film with McDowell focusing his intelligence and doing a wonderful job as Wells. Stevenson also did nicely, sharpening his acting chops on the well fitting role of Jack. Steenburgen brought some depth to the film but she also felt strangely out of place, and even somewhat out of character in the story itself. The remainder of the cast was solid and entertaining.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all 1970's which is to say there are some unusual colors and designs but overall they fit the film pretty well. Special effects are seriously showing their age and while they didn't add much here, they didn't detract significantly either. Dialogue was enjoyable with good depth. Sound and soundtrack were decent.

Overall Time After Time: Special Edition is an enjoyable story that expands and continues the Jack the Ripper story by adding the component of time. The film moves along pretty well, and acting was quite good, but the film is showing some age. Those who want intense action or effects may be disappointed.

With some fairly graphic violence, gore, mild foul language, and implied sexuality this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 1979
Reviewed: 11.23.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure, Sci-Fi Thrillers, Sci-Fi Cult Classics, Time travel

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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