Clockstoppers (2002)

29% of critics liked it
(85 reviews)
33% of users liked it
(56,669 ratings)

Frequent Star Trek actor and director Jonathan Frakes gets behind the camera again for this teen-sci-fi/action-drama in the Back to the Future (1985) mold. Jesse Bradford stars as Zak Gibbs, a teenager who discovers the latest invention to spring from the mind of his scientist father (Robin Thomas)… More Frequent Star Trek actor and director Jonathan Frakes gets behind the camera again for this teen-sci-fi/action-drama in the Back to the Future (1985) mold. Jesse Bradford stars as Zak Gibbs, a teenager who discovers the latest invention to spring from the mind of his scientist father (Robin Thomas) and a research team that includes his dad's eccentric colleague Dr. Earl Dopler (French Stewart). It seems that they have developed a wristwatch that manipulates "hypertime," speeding up the passage of regular time 25 times for the wearer and those near him, making it appear that the rest of the world has become essentially "frozen" in time. Zak is delighted with the ability that he initially treats as the ultimate gag and superpower, until the National Security Agency begins pursuing both him and the device, intending to confiscate it for nefarious political purposes. Clockwatchers (2002) co-stars Michael Biehn, Paula Garces, and Julia Sweeney. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Jonathan Frakes
Written By: Rob Hedden, J. David Stern, David N. Weiss
Genres: Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 29, 2002 Wide
On DVD: Aug 13, 2002
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

Robert K. Elder, Chicago Tribune
Sci-fi hijinks and a government conspiracy serve merely as window dressing for a ham-fisted message about the importance of good parenting and owning a car in high school.
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice
If I were 13, I might be sufficiently entranced by the movie's bicycle stunts ... and wouldn't be wondering why ideas for science fiction films haven't progressed very far from Star Trek's first seasons all those decades ago.
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
I thought my own watch had stopped keeping time as I slogged my way through Clockstoppers.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
An intermittently pleasing but mostly routine effort.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Fun action comedy with nifty special effects.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Absurda, mas divertida, a premissa confere um certo grau de interesse ao filme, que ainda se beneficia do tom adolescente descompromissado.
Jeffrey Westhoff, Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)
However it may please those who love movies that blare with pop songs, young science fiction fans will stomp away in disgust.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
Visually exciting sci-fi film which suffers from a lackluster screenplay.
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
Director Frakes steps triumphantly into the ring of Hollywood mediocrity with this effort...
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
Each actor does his very best to portray the characters realistically and perhaps their relative inexperience is a factor.

Read all 10 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Thomas B

An initially intriguing idea wasted with mediocre performances and a shoddy script. Full review later.
Matt G

It's definitely fun for it's generation, but anyone over ten will find it repulsive.
Sophie B

I like the idea behind the film, however it was really dumbed down for American teens. I'd like to see an intelligent version aimed more at older adults.
MisterYoda ?

2 stars
Dead A

Even though this movie was nothing like awesome-mindblowing-wow or anything. I still liked this.
KJ P

I came to like this movie when I was a young kid, and to this day I still enjoy it a lot!!!
Jason S

A fun look at what would happen if a teen got a watch that could stop time. I would have liked to see more.
Andrew F

It's okay... I've seen it a million times. The story doesn't really make any sense. Watch <i>Back to the Future</i> instead.
Yinalí R

Cool.
Marcus W

Physics professors will hate this. Sure it's for kids, but does that mean it has to be so dumbed down? Writers will hate this as it's an insult to the craft. Michael Biehn fans will hate this and weep as they clutch their Best of James Cameron DVD boxsets to their chest.… More
Physics professors will hate this. Sure it's for kids, but does that mean it has to be so dumbed down? Writers will hate this as it's an insult to the craft. Michael Biehn fans will hate this and weep as they clutch their Best of James Cameron DVD boxsets to their chest. Film fans will hate this as it's a poor example of a film. Star Trek fans will hate this as the director is something to do with Star Trek and he also directed Thunderbirds and therefore should not be allowed to direct anything else. Oh, and just to really slate it and be pedantic, the correct title should be Clockslowerdowners...as they don't actually stop any clocks - admittedly that isn't as catchy.
Matthew A

This film is very entertaining to watch because of the beautiful effects of time stopping. I recommend you to watch it.

Read all 11 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Jesse Bradford as Zak Gibbs

            French Stewart as Dr. Earl Dopler

            Tony Abatemarco as administrator

            Michael Biehn as Henry Gates

            Pamela Dunlap as Vice Principal

            Paula Garcés as Francesca

            Jenette Goldstein as Doctor

            Gina Hecht as Meter Maid

            Miko Hughes
            
            Tom Parks as Detective

            Joey Simmrin as Rick Ditmar

            Julia Sweeney as Mom

            Robin Thomas as George Gibbs

            Scott Thompson as tourist dad

            Scott Thomson
            
            Ken Jenkins as Agent Moore

            Linda Kim as Jay

            Danny Cistone as Ditmar dance double

            Esperanza Catubig as ticket agent

            Billy Mayo as Q.T. Agent

            Funkmaster Flex as Large Mike

            Jason Winston George as Richard

            Garikayi Mutambirwa as Meeker

            Jeff Ricketts as Officer Meyers

            Lindze Letherman as Kelly Gibbs

            Jennifer Manley as security officer

            Dwight Armstrong as nose ring boy

            Oanh Nguyen as graduate student

            Frank Howard as Rave Dancer

            Deborah Rawlings as tourist mom

            Jodie Milks as bright freshman

            Brad 'Chip' Pope as confused freshman

            Andrew James Armstrong as hot skates sports boy

            Rachel Arieff as hot skates saleswoman

            Eric Baugh as Tagger

            D.J. Midas as Flavius' opponent

            DJ Swamp as Flavius/Ditmar hands

            Lamonte "Tails" Goode as Meeker breakdance double

            Ronnie Willis as Meeker dance double

            Kirven T. Arrington as Meeker hand double

            Earl Barlow as Rave Dancer

            Jer-Lyn Benjamin as Rave Dancer

            Diana Carreno as Rave Dancer

            Aisha R. Delaria as Rave Dancer

            Rece Jones as Rave Dancer

            Alfie Lewis as Rave Dancer

            Monet 'Fusion' Ludlow as Rave Dancer

            Clifford McGhee as Rave Dancer

            Kimberly Morrow as Rave Dancer

            Alphonzo Rawls as Rave Dancer

            Sherman Shoate as Rave Dancer

            Lani Tuyor-Stanbery as Rave Dancer

            Giacomo Vernice as Rave Dancer
See full cast