Cinema Review: The Time Machine (From Penarth Times)

Cinema Review: The Time Machine

THERE is no denying that there was something strange about the stories by H G Wells.

Some of the predictions he made were deemed impossible but some have come true like the invention of the submarine and construction of giant cities. The invention of a time machine does seem impossible though but with this latest remake, you begin to believe that anything is possible.

Victorian professor Dr Alexander Hartdegen builds a time machine to reverse a personal tragedy. He is unsuccessful though, learning that the tragedy would take place no matter what he did. To search for answers he flings himself way, way into the future, to a time where the human race battle for the planet.

Directed by Simon Wells, the great grandson of H G Wells, it was almost certain that it wouldn't be spoiled by Hollywood, mixing his own ideas with H G's well and has adopted 1940's style film-making styles with ease.

The Time Machine is an entralling story which also pleases on the big screen. The imagination is amazing with the leaping forward of time and the idea of a wasted future, devastated by the breaking up of the moon.

The most capturing thing about the film though, is the performance by Guy Pearce as Dr Alexander Hartdegen. He goes through a series of emotions, portrays the average Victorian man well and finishes with a heroic presence. The biggest surprise is the perfect performance by Irish singer, Samantha Mumba as a future woman, as she defies all bad expectations.

It's not likely to be the greatest film of the summer but it is a memorable one.