I know I'm not the first person to ask this question and I certainly won't be the last. Why the hell does Hollywood insist on remaking classics? True, this updated version of the H.G. Wells treasure has an interesting side note. It was directed by an actual descendent of H.G. Wells himself. That hardly makes this an extraordinary movie experience andit definitely compares poorly to the 1960 version directed with creative gusto by George Pal.

Alexander Hartdegun is an eccentric inventor in 19th century London--a man consumed by his work. He still has the time to fall in love with Emma, the girl of his dreams. Of course, fate has a funny sense of humor and an unforeseen tragic event (one that seems to reoccur) triggers an insane yet brilliant idea in Hartdegun's genius mind. After a few years of seclusion, the mastermind creates a craft that can travel through time. Hartdegun's journey takes him to the past and the bleak future where he meets Mara (played by singer Samantha Mumba), a beautiful young woman who's village is constantly attacked by a superhuman race of creatures known as the Morlocks. However implausibly, Hartdegun decides he likes it in this dangerous time zone, and stays to help the village fight back against their dreaded enemy.

Guy Pearce is decent in the lead, but there's nothing here that really separates him from someone else who might have played the part. Mumba, on the other hand, is more than competent--especially given that this is her first lead film role. Even though this is hardly a meaty part, she makes the most of it. Jeremy Irons is completely wasted in an all-too-brief appearance as ruler of the Morlocks. The venerable Irons stoops again here as he did in Dungeons and Dragons. His character has so little development that it's hard to look at him as the film's chief villain.

Director Simon Wells has a keen visual eye. The landscapes are gorgeous and the art direction equally impressive. The visual effects are above average, but the Morlock creature themselves (created by the brilliant Sam Winston) are a bit of a let down. Their movements are slick, but they don't look real, particularly their facial features. These creatures don't hold up to the standard set by Rick Baker's monkeys in Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes.

The Time Machine is a surprisingly lifeless vehicle despite some decent special effects and a more than adequate budget. As I sat through it I was constantly reminded of how much more enjoyable the 60's version was, and was also quick to remember another variation of the tale called Time After Time featuring Malcom McDowell and David Warner. If your able to find either of these movies on video, there're far more worth the time.