The Time Machine

The Time Machine (2002)

  • 29% of critics liked it
    (150 reviews)

  • 45% of users liked it
    (154,095 ratings)

The classic science fiction novel by H.G. Wells becomes this big-budget adventure directed by the author's great-grandson Simon Wells. Guy Pearce stars as Alexander Hartdegen, a scientist, professor, and inventor in 1895 New York City who believes that time travel is possible. The sudden and… More

Play Trailer

PG-13,
Directed By
Written By
John Logan
Genres
Science Fiction & Fantasy
In Theaters
Mar 8, 2002 Wide
DreamWorks SKG

Critic Reviews

  • Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune

    If H.G. Wells had a time machine and could take a look at his kin's reworked version, what would he say? 'It looks good, Sonny, but you missed the point.'

  • Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

    One of those staggeringly well-produced, joylessly extravagant pictures that keep whooshing you from one visual marvel to the next, hastily, emptily.

  • Dennis Lim, Village Voice

    If it's remembered at all, it will be as a time capsule of early-21st-century blockbuster cowardice and redundancy.

  • Bill Muller, Arizona Republic

    They gave The Time Machine a major overhaul and ended up with a clunker.

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    Amazingly stilted before accelerating into its exciting finish.

Read all 13 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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

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

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Carlos M


    A simplistic yet entertaining adaptation of Wells' story that removes the smart social commentary and invests in action with little imagination. It has some problems but will be enough fun for time travel fans.

  • Mike S


    Great special effects, but as for the script and acting, well, it could surely have been a lot better. It's a shame how much potential is lost here, due to lazy writing. Because while the time traveling bits are pretty awesome, the storyline per se goes into B-movie territory.… More

  • Dead A


    I remember reading a book that was pretty similar was this movie. I was happy to see this. It's a good movie.

  • Kylie B


    I admit to having not seen the original or read the book, but I was a deal more entertained by this than I was expecting. This is mainly because of two elements which appeal to me personally; the museum's future computer system, and Jeremy Irons needing to pay his bills and… More

  • Wahida K


    Well what can I say to the Remake. I liked the Original one. Nice graphics and all but I had the feeling it didnt have the Magical influence on me like the Original one.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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