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The Final Countdown Play Trailer

The Final Countdown (1980)

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 4
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 4

audience

61

liked it
Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 7,776

My Rating

Movie Info

The USS Nimitz, a modern-day nuclear-powered aircraft carrier captained by Kirk Douglas, passes through a time warp and finds itself at Pearl Harbor on December 6, 1941. Douglas is all for preventing the infamous Japanese attack by unleashing the 1980s technology at his disposal. But wait--if history is inviolate, what will happen to future events if the attack doesn't come off? For nearly two hours, pros and cons are volleyed back and forth by Douglas, by ambitious senator Charles Durning, and

PG,

Drama, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Cult Movies

Mar 27, 2007

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The Final Countdown Trailer & Photos

Critic Reviews for The Final Countdown

All Critics (15) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (8) | Rotten (9) | DVD (14)

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.

March 26, 2009 Full Review Source: Variety
Variety Staff
Variety
Top Critic IconTop Critic

An idea worthy of Harlan Ellison, but disappointingly fumbled.

January 26, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out
Time Out
Top Critic IconTop Critic

It's filled with technology, special effects and action. But it just doesn't make any sense.

October 23, 2004 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

The special effects are funnier than, I suspect, they were intended to be.

August 30, 2004 Full Review Source: New York Times
Vincent Canby
New York Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Little more than a lengthy Twilight Zone episode.

May 14, 2012 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide
TV Guide's Movie Guide

One of the better time-travel movies. Generates lots of suspense because it's directed and acted with a great deal of conviction. John Scott's musical score is outstanding.

February 17, 2006
Chuck O'Leary
FulvueDrive-in.com

...manages to capture the imagination of the viewer with its fantastic story and respectable cast of Hollywood veterans.

April 17, 2004
Rudy Joggerst
Reel.com

A solid movie with a lousy ending.

March 29, 2004 Full Review Source: Film Freak Central | Comment (1)
Walter Chaw
Film Freak Central

Great what if sci-fi with a nuclear aircraft carrier, a time warp, and the attack on Pearl Harbor.

March 17, 2003
Brian Mckay
eFilmCritic.com

Something you'd watch on TV for free without complaint.

May 30, 2001 Full Review Source: Sci-Fi Movie Page
James O'Ehley
Sci-Fi Movie Page
View all critic reviews (15)

Audience Reviews for The Final Countdown

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The Final Countdown is a unique and original film that delivers terrific thrills. With a fine cast of talented actors, director Don Taylor crafts this Action Sci Fi film that tells the story of the USS Nimitz send back through time on December 6, 1941, one day before the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. The plot is wonderful, and director Don Taylor crafts a film that definitely is entertaining from start to finish. Sure the film's premise is absurd, and not believable, but that's what makes this such a thrilling film. This is a must see for Sci Fi fans who enjoy a different type of film. The strength of the film lies with its cast and effective directing. Director Don Taylor presents us with a wonderful film that has some terrific visuals. There are plenty of things going for this film to make it worth seeing and the film ends up being so much fun that you just don't care how ridiculous the premise is. This is a popcorn flick pure and simple. This meant for mindless entertainment, and it most certainly does that. If you want a really amusing, then check this one out. The film may have its flaws, but it certainly is a terrific film that is not meant to be taken seriously. With a great cast that delivers on-screen, The Final Countdown is a near flawless fun film that delivers a good plot with fine acting and it overcomes its flaws by being something original. Go into this film with an open mind, you're sure to enjoy, just don't expect a masterpiece. In terms of popcorn films, The Final Countdown is one of the best.
September 10, 2011
TheDudeLebowski65
Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski

Super Reviewer

Hard to believe this excellent movie came out in 1980, It was really enjoyable then and still enjoyable today. Great to see the carrier ops from 1980 time frame which haven't change much except for the aircraft on board the carrier. The Nimitz time travels back to the day before pearl harbor an is drawn into battle with Japan, well almost. 5 stars 9-18-12
September 21, 2012
bbcfloridabound
Bruce Bruce

Super Reviewer

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Latest News on The Final Countdown

January 25, 2012:
James Farentino: 1938-2012
The prolific actor, whose credits included "The Final Countdown" and roles on "Dynasty" and "Melrose...

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