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The Final Countdown

Play trailer 2:47 Poster for The Final Countdown PG 1980 1h 44m Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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52% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
A time warp takes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its captain (Kirk Douglas) back to Pearl Harbor, Dec. 6, 1941.
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The Final Countdown

Critics Reviews

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Variety Staff Variety 03/26/2009
As a documentary on the USS Nimitz, The Final Countdown is wonderful. As entertainment, however, it has the feeling of a telepic that strayed onto the big screen. Go to Full Review
Time Out 01/26/2006
An idea worthy of Harlan Ellison, but disappointingly fumbled. Go to Full Review
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times 10/23/2004
2/4
It's filled with technology, special effects and action. But it just doesn't make any sense. Go to Full Review
Madeleine Harmsworth Sunday Mirror (UK) Apr 23
The carrier has the power to divert history. But should it be done? For most of the film, this issue is sustained with surprising intelligence. Only the ending is something of a letdown. Go to Full Review
Tom Milne Observer (UK) Apr 23
A silly film, if ever I saw one. Go to Full Review
Phil Edwards Starburst 07/26/2022
A disaster. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Andrew W @Kafinater 2h I'm not like my wife when it comes to watching a film, no matter how bad the film is, she will watch it to the end, me, on the other hand will give up if it doesn't grip me. The Final Countdown came a close to me giving up with it, but it kept me thinking, what's about to happen? You can tell the film is dated, but the acting was ok, the story believable, and at the end of the film, a feel good factor, yes, I watched to the end! I do have one question though, what was Martin Sheens role in this film? See more Pongo K Feb 17 This movie is really cool. Watch it! See more Aun M @AunMohammad Dec 23 The Final Countdown is a fascinating and imaginative science-fiction film that blends time travel with historical drama. the movie explores a compelling "what if" scenario that places a modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in the midst of one of the most critical moments of World War II. The story follows a naval fleet that accidentally travels back in time to December 1941, just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Considering the film was made in 1979, its execution is truly impressive. At a time when advanced animation techniques and modern VFX technology did not exist, the filmmakers managed to convincingly convey the feeling of the 1940s without heavily relying on period sets, buildings, cars, or large crowds. The performances are solid throughout, with Kirk Douglas delivering a brilliant and commanding performance that adds gravitas to the story. His screen presence elevates the film and anchors its emotional weight. See more Ernie K @ErnieK Aug 11 An absurd yet fascinating premise, with a true moral dilemma baked into the plot. If you put reality on hold and enjoy the very good performances (especially Kirk Douglas, Charles Durning, and Martin Sheen) you'll find it a worthwhile journey through another dimension with a great twist ending. It's an interesting meld of history, philosophy, and imagination. See more william g Jul 21 Saw this at the theater when it was released and many times after. Loved it. I would change Captain Yelland to an Admiral that was conducting training maneuvers and assumed the command of the ship. They could’ve explored the fact that Yellen was old enough to be at Pearl Harbor. He could have reflected on his memories and what he did during the war, cause Kurt Douglass served in the Navy during World War II. Other than that I thought it was fantastic! See more Robert D Jul 12 This is my favorite movie for showcasing US Navy "power". Without Models and CGI the visually just look priceless. The movie Score is excellent. The plot is interesting and as good as any Twilight Zone or Star Trek story. Just great movie. I think I even like this more than those great Top Gun Movies. See more Read all reviews
The Final Countdown

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Movie Info

Synopsis A time warp takes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its captain (Kirk Douglas) back to Pearl Harbor, Dec. 6, 1941.
Director
Don Taylor
Producer
Peter Douglas
Screenwriter
David Ambrose, Gerry Davis, Thomas Hunter, Peter Powell
Production Co
United Artists, The Bryna Company
Rating
PG
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 7, 2017
Runtime
1h 44m
Sound Mix
Surround
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