The Time Machine (2002) parents guide

The Time Machine (2002) Parent Guide

Overall B-

Release date March 3, 2002

Violence C-
Sexual Content B-
Profanity B-
Substance Use A

Why is The Time Machine (2002) rated PG-13? The MPAA rated The Time Machine (2002) PG-13

Parent Movie Review

We all have one—a moment in the past we wish we could change. But few of us have the capability to do so, or the foresight to see how our lives would be altered if it were possible.

The Time Machine (2002) - Official site For Alexander Hartdegen (Guy Pearce), the power to rewrite recent history seems to lie within his grasp. Driven by a personal tragedy involving a friend (Sienna Guillory), the New York professor holes himself up in his lab despite the wishes of his motherly housekeeper (Phyllida Law). Working feverishly, he constructs a machine that will turn back the hands of time. While his friend, Dr. Philby (Mark Addy), attempts to coax him back into society, the avid inventor tightens the last gadget on his futuristic creation and prepares for the journey of a lifetime.

The Time Machine (2002) - Official siteBut when the plan fails, he heads into the future in search of an answer. Traveling from the 1890s, he makes brief stops in the 21st century before landing 800,000 years from his starting point. There he discovers two tribal civilizations evolved from a ruined culture. Living in underground caverns, the Morlocks are a hideous race of creatures that venture only briefly outside of their dark world. The surface-dwelling Eloi are a laid-back human-like people who live off the land and have no interest in their past, or hope for the future.

Taken in by Mara, the clan’s teacher (Samantha Mumba), and her brother Kalen (Omero Mumba), Hartdegen begins to uncover a dark secret that threatens the survival of both groups and makes him question the fate of the Earth.

The Time Machine (2002) - Official siteThis latest adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells novel differs in setting and storyline from the 1960 film version, but still questions mankind’s ability to successful navigate the future. Although it contains some intense and graphic violence between feuding factions, this film focuses more on the fallout of scientific discovery and the results of man pushing the limits of his curiosity.

While the ability to change the past is limited, The Time Machine lets teens and parents explore their capacity to influence the future, even without a glitzy mode of transportation.

Starring Guy Pearce. Theatrical release March 3, 2002. Updated

The Time Machine (2002)
Rating & Content Info

Why is The Time Machine (2002) rated PG-13? The Time Machine (2002) is rated PG-13 by the MPAA

Overall: B-

Aimed at an older audience, this adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel includes some graphic and intense violence but offers plenty of fodder for discussion about humanity’s ability to succeed in the future without causing its own destruction, as well as the cost of curiosity.

Violence: C-

Man threatens characters with gun. Character is shot, blood shown. Character killed in accident. Cities are destroyed. Character hits head during explosion, some blood shown. Character has eerie dream. Intense and extended scenes of grotesque characters attacking others are depicted. Characters fight, kick and chase others with fire. Bloody knives, hooks, and table are shown. Character falls into a pit of blood and bones. Characters are shown disintegrating. Characters involved in graphic hand to hand combat including the use of a knife. Massive complex explodes killing many.

Sexual Content: B-

Man realizes he is naked, only bare chest shown. Characters wear slightly revealing clothing.

 

Language: B-

Includes at least one moderate and three mild profanities, along with two terms of Deity used as expletives.

Alcohol / Drug Use: A

None noted.

 

Miscellaneous Concerns:

Cannibalism is implied.

 

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The Time Machine (2002) Parents' Guide

The Eloi have “no knowledge of the past and no ambition for the future”. How important is it for society to learn from the mistakes and successes of history? How can that help us make wiser decisions?

Alexander Hartdegen couldn’t accept what happened in the park. How did that affect the rest of his life? When should we accept things that have happened to us and move on, and when should we fight to make things better? Do you think his decision to build the time machine was an improvement or detriment to future generations?

Is there something in your past that you wish you could change? How do you think it would impact your life now or even your future?

Futuristic movies and television shows often portray people dressed in spandex-like body suits (think Star Trek, etc.). Considering how fashion trends tend to repeat, do you think our society will ever adopt that type of clothing? When were the fashions you are currently wearing popular?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The Time Machine (2002) movie is July 22, 2002. Here are some details…

Related home video titles:

For a less violent adaptation of H.G. Wells’ story, try the 1960 Time Machine. Both the 1968 and 2001 versions of Planet Of The Apes show a society where humans and animals have undergone evolutionary changes. The original Jurassic Park shows the dangers of science gone wrong, but be forewarned, it also contains violence issues. Tucker: The Man And His Dreams is based on the life of Preston Thomas Tucker, another inventor with ideas before his time. Jules Verne’s classic novel was made into the film 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, another science fiction adventure.