Review of Time After Time (2011) by Mark V — 28 Jul 2011

A relentlessly fun film and a feast for that rare form of geek who is both a fan of science fiction and classic true crime. On the onset the film seems to be a straightforward but fascinating science fiction concept; what if H.

G. Wells, the brilliant writer of "The Time Machine", had actually constructed a real time machine? That in itself is a rich idea, but the film amps it up a step further by having H.G. Wells travel to 1970's America to track down Jack the Ripper, the famed English serial killer whom he recently discovered is actually a once-close friend of his.

The script and the wit of the script really elevates the material; I love how Wells has an optimistic view of the future that suggests mankind will mature out of strife and violence, and the Ripper believes it will only grow worse.

It is actually a stirring commentary that the Ripper is more correct in his assessment than Wells' utopian hopes are. And how can you not enjoy watching H.G. Wells and Jack the Ripper butting heads when those respective heads belong to Malcolm McDowell and David Warner? Granted, Mary Steenburgen's performance in the film leaves something to be desired and is certainly the weakest part of the film; but it doesn't hinder the other solid elements in the film enough to be a major problem.

This is a blast of a movie and a refreshingly original one; if you are a fan of Ripper lore (as I am), Wells' writing (as I also am), or just enjoy a sharp, fun movie (as I certainly do), this is absolutely worth viewing.