neumu [ cinematronic ]




	The Time Machine
	Simon Wells Guy Pearce, Jeremy Irons, Mark Addy, Orlando Jones, Samantha Mumba 2002		It deviates from the timeless sci-fi novel by H.G. Wells and the enthralling, pulp-futurist 1960 movie directed by visionary filmmaker George Pal, but this logic-challenged take on the story — 19th century scientist builds vehicle that hurls him into dangerous far-future of gruesome class warfare — isn't a total waste of time, even if it suffers by comparison to Pal's version. The remake starts slow, with a set-up involving a tragedy that befalls heroic Alexander Hartdegen, played by Guy Pearce ("Memento"). Still, it's the incident that inspires Hartdegen's quest to conquer time. As soon as the chronal perambulating kicks in, so do the thrills. One of the joys of Pal's film was his signature model-animation technique, showing the rapid passage of the years. Although the time-lapse sequences are now computer-generated, they remain a font of fun. And Pearce sells the fantasy. Note: Director Simon Wells is H.G.'s great-grandson. With Jeremy Irons, Mark Addy, Orlando Jones and Samantha Mumba.