Insight
"Clockstoppers" will certainly have plenty of appeal for those with a technology streak, a taste for scifi films and definately those of the younger set. It's bright, breezy, the characters are easy on the eyes, the storyline ain't half bad and there are plenty of excellent special effects. According to producer Gale Anne Hurd ["The Abyss","Aliens", "The Terminator" and "Terminator 2"], "Clockstoppers is a sci-fi fantasy adventure intended to be a film the entire family can enjoy together." "To appeal to a wider audience, we made the protagonists high shool seniors, kids who are grappling with who they are now and who they are going to be in the future." Director Jonathan Frakes ['Star Trek:First Contact' and 'Star Trek:Insurrection'] like it's humorous bent, "It's a wonderful story." "I really like that it's a family movie that my kids can see." It was important that "Clockstoppers" received the right direction and Frakes was just the person for this sci-fi fantasy which is aimed squarely at families. Frakes background was ideal, after all he had already worked on a variety of sci-fi projects and films as either a producer, director or as an actor. "What's great about having an acting background is that you know how difficult it is to perform in a film with visual effects that require acting in front of a green screen or a blue screen," says Hurd. "So because of his past in acting, Jonathon's able to commiserate with the cast in a way that allows him to communicate the exact dramatic emotion he wants." That I have to agree with whole heartedly, after all, the audience sees only the flashy finished product and not the effort cast members put into the production and how much time is spent in front of 'the screens' playing a solitary role to which all the special effects are later added. The mind boggles at what they [actors] achieve.
Talking actors, the casting certainly worked well for "Clockstoppers". According to Hurd finding the right actor to play the part of Zak was their greatest challenges. That role fell to up and coming young actor Jesse Bradford after Hurd saw him starring with Kirsten Dunst in "Bring It On". "I didn't even connect that Jesse Bradford from "Bring It On" was the same Jesse Bradford from "King of the Hill", which is one of my favourite movies," she explained. Bradford is no new comer to film, his credits go way back to 1993 and include "Hackers", "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet", "Presumed Innocent" and the soon to be released drama "SwimFan". Fans of the television series "3rd Rock from the Sun" will recognise French Stewart in the role of the madcap scientist Dopler. Stewart's talents extend beyond the small screen to both stage and screen. His film credits include "Love Stinks", "Dick" and "Stargate". The baddie in "Clockstoppers" is a pivitol role to the films success and the weight of that fell upon the shoulders of Michael Biehn a veteran of some fifty films. Most will immediately spot him as the baddie from "The Terminator" but his credits include "The Abyss", "Aliens", "The Rock", "Tombstone", "K2" and "The Seventh Sign". Just as big as the cast is the special effects that take us into hypertime. They are certainly innovative and very eye catching. Just as catchy is the bevy of songs that make up a brilliant soundtrack including "Holiday In My Head". Released in Australia on Festival Mushroom Records this is an excellent CD to add to your collection.
The Story
Jesse Bradford and Paula Garcés star in Clockstoppers
Zak Giggs [Jesse Bradford] has his eye on a Ford Mustang in the local car yard. He's desperately in need of a major upgrade to his current mode of transport. All he needs to achieve this is his Dad's support. Dad however is about to leave town to attend a another science conference. They part on bad terms. It appears that dad has more time for his students and the job than he does for his son. Unbeknowns to Zak, one of his dads former science students has been working on a top secret project involving a very special watch. Unable to solve the problems associated with its functions Dopler has sent it to his former professor. In the meantime, Zak has been trying to raise funds for his much wanted vehicle by selling goods on E-Bay. When the watch accidently comes into his possession Zak accidently discovers its special qualities. The watch takes him into 'hypertime' where reality speeds up for the wearer and everything else appears frozen in time. Zak and his girl friend Fracessca think it's all a big adventure a fun happening, but there are others who will stop at nothing to regain control of this top secret item. Zak soon finds that he, Francesca and his dad are in big trouble. Big, big trouble!
The Verdict
"While "Clockstoppers" may not have the goods to appeal to a broad 'adult' audience it will certainly go down well with the younger set, those who enjoy sci-fi and special effects lovers. The pace is good, the special effects are stunning and the characters are fresh. "Clockstoppers" is a crisply innovative production that certainly makes time fly. Hypertime combined with an excellent soundtrack ensures "Clockstoppers" is a hyperactive, fun-filled adventure. "
Jesse Bradford, Paula Garcés and Robin Thomas star in the sci-fi film Clockstoppers
What The Critics Say
"A hip ride into hyper-time, Clockstoppers is a lively and enjoyable adventure for all ages at any time."
Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE
"Generally, Clockstoppers will fulfill your wildest fantasies about being a different kind of time traveler, while happily killing 94 minutes."
Tom Sander SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL
"OK, kid-friendly sci-fi."
Jonathan Foreman, NEW YORK POST
"The SFX aside, decent performances from a well cast bunch of younger and older actors make Clockstoppers engaging as well as intriguing."
Andrew L Urban URBAN CINEFILE
"Worth the time."
Tracy McLoone POPMATTERS
"I liked this family-friendly comic fantasy. There are far too few films that satisfy this difficult demographic and Clockstoppers is one that mum, dad, kids and the dog can enjoy together. It has an appealing cast of young actors and is driven by the kind of science-fiction 'what if' scenario I find irresistible. "
Richard Kuipers URBAN CINEFILE
"Clever family-friendly movie will appeal to adults as well as kids and teens."
Holly McClure CROSSWALK.COM MOVIES
"A fun family, squeeky clean science fiction romp."
Richard Leider BLACK CAT MEDIA
"Harmless sci-fi fun for youths."
Bruce Kirkland JAM! MOVIES
"A harmless and generally entertaining bit of fluff."
Evan Henerson LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
"Not for discerning adults, but older kids and teens will have a good time."
Robin Clifford REELING REVIEWS
"...yet another movie I would have loved as a kid, but can’t enjoy as much as a grown-up."
David Cornelius AMAZING COLOSSAL WEBSITE
The Cast
Jesse Bradford
French Stewart
Paula Garcés
Michael Biehn
Robin Thomas
Garikayi Mutambirwa
Julia Sweeney
Lindze Letherman
Jason Winston George
Linda Kim
Ken Jenkins
Esperanza Catubig
Jennifer Manley
Scott Thomson
Deborah Rawlings
Jodie Milks
Brad 'Chip' Pope
Tony Abatemarco
Van Oanh Nguyen
Andrew James Armstrong
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Zak
Dopler
Francesca
Gates
Dad
Meeker
Mom
Kelly
Richard
Jay
Agent Moore
Ticket Agent
Security Officer
Tourist Dad
Tourist Mom
Bright Freshman
Confused Freshman
Administrator
Grad Student
Hot Skater
Directed by Jonathan Frakes
Writen by Rob Hedden & Andy Hedden
Editing by Peter E. Berger & Jeff Canavan
Original music by Jamshied Sharifi
Cinematography by Tim Suhrstedt
Run Time 94 minutes
Rated PG [AUST]
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