Written by Karl Alexander, Steve Hayes, and Nicholas Meyer
Directed by Nicholas Meyer

I was a fan of Nicholas Meyer’s even before he became known as the savior of the Star Trek franchise.  I can remember begging to see The Seven Percent Solution (which he has a writing credit for) and also going to see a film he directed, Time After Time.  I had an affinity for historical fiction even at a young age, particularly if it had that science-fiction edge to it.  In a way, it’s a shame that he’s mostly known for his work with Star Trek; that overshadows what is a great little film with its own science-fiction edge.

The film opens with a scene of a Jack the Ripper murder in 1800s London. During the period, H.G. Wells (portrayed by Malcolm McDowell) is also holding court with the higher end of society, which includes Dr. Stevenson (portrayed by David Warner).  Wells reveals his plans for a time machine, which he has constructed but not yet tested.

As Scotland Yard closes in, it’s revealed that Dr. Stevenson is the Ripper and he makes his escape using Wells’ time machine. When the machine rebounds back to his own time using safeguards Wells had the foresight to place in it, Wells learns Stevenson traveled to 1979.  Believing Jack the Ripper has now been let loose on Utopia, Wells pursues him into the future.

Wells lands in an exhibit about himself and after much confusion ventures out to learn about the future and pursue The Ripper.  There, he finds the future is not what he expected.  As optimistic as he was about mankind, he is shocked at what San Francisco of this era is about.  There’s some humor as Wells experiences McDonald’s, television commercials, and more concepts that he cannot quite wrap his head around.

At the same time, Stevenson finds the decadence of this era to his liking and perfect for resuming the indulgence of his murderous tendencies.  What follows is a game of cat and mouse as the two navigate being out of time and hunt each other.

I always had a great deal of affection for Time After Time.  I remember viewing the film in the $1.50 theater not far from my house and liking it immensely.  Watching it with the head of an adult and years of viewing films behind me, it doesn’t seem quite as smart as it once did. Yet it still is charming and works in so many ways.

The acting is superb.  In recent years it seems McDowell has been type-cast in bad-guy roles so seeing him as the earnest and somewhat innocent Wells is really a surprise.  He portrays him magnificently and strips away the notion that he’s best as a bad guy.  His chemistry onscreen with both his adversary (Warner) and a modern-day love interest (Mary Steenburgen as Amy) works beautifully.  Warner is the heavy here and he is an imposing figure, especially what can only be described as Wells seeing the world and the future in all too optimistic terms.  In a way, Stevenson fits the modern day better than Wells does.

Steenburgen is a fairly young actress here but she does a good job opposite these actors.  She would go on to wed McDowell for a period after meeting him during this film.  She seems to struggle a bit with creating a strong, independent woman but falls easier into the woman in need of protection.  Still, she’s darn good at holding her own with two more experienced actors.

For Star Trek fans, Time After Time might seem to share a lot in common with Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (Meyer wrote that screenplay).  There are similarities in the setting and concept.  I think Time After Time reigns in the fish out-of-water humor a bit better in regard to them being in an unfamiliar time.

The DVD doesn’t have all that much in the way of Special Features with the exception of the Commentary with Nicholas Meyer and Malcolm McDowell.  I enjoyed that quite a bit.  Otherwise, no matter how you view it, Time After Time is a decent film that isn’t too heavy on science fiction to turn off those who aren’t fans of that genre.  There’s a good balance of humor and drama with some terrific acting.  The story is well-paced and well-written.  Definitely worth spending the time to see.


SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Commentary with Director Nicholas Meyer and Malcolm McDowell
• It’s About Time – slideshow about time travel in the movies
• Cast & Crew Biographies
• Theatrical Trailers