Review of The Final Countdown (1980) by Matthew R — 01 Dec 2013
How have I never heard of the film prior to chancing across it on Netflix in 2013? From the brief synopsis I read - a 1980s aircraft carrier travels back to Pearl Harbor in 1941 - I anticipated it would be terrible but (ropey time tunnel effect aside) it's actually surprisingly entertaining and played very straight-faced which helps sell the odd plot.
It featuring some great cinematography in terms of naval and aeronautical showcases buoyed along by a stirring soundtrack. The philosophical ideas surrounding changing the course of history are interesting, if ultimately a little underdeveloped.
It fizzles a bit at the end but there are unexpected twists along the way. Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen make likeable leads - even if the latter's job appears to be to stand around a lot and occasionally say something interesting.
An unexpected, underrated gem offsetting its inherent cheesiness with impressive cinematic know-how.
This review of The Final Countdown (1980) was written by Matthew R on 01 Dec 2013.
The Final Countdown has generally received positive reviews.
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