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The Final Countdown

The Final Countdown (1980)

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 3

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62

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Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 7,451

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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

Mar 27, 2007

Live Home Video

All Critics (15) | Top Critics (3) | 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 | Comment
Variety
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 | Comment
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 | Comment
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 | Comment
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 Comment
FulvueDrive-in.com

An idea worthy of Harlan Ellison, but disappointingly fumbled.

January 26, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out | Comment

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

April 17, 2004 Comment
Reel.com

A solid movie with a lousy ending.

March 29, 2004 Full Review Source: Film Freak Central | Comment
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 Comment
eFilmCritic.com

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

May 30, 2001 Full Review Source: Sci-Fi Movie Page | Comment
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for The Final Countdown

not believable but fun

April 1, 2007
jjnxn
jay nixon

Super Reviewer

Enjoyable time travel fantasy that dumps a modern day aircraft carrier in the path of the attacking japanese force on the eve of Pearl Harbor. Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen add weight to the cast, and although the idea isn't fully fleshed out, and the direction rather lacklustre and "TV movie", it's still an

March 3, 2007
garyX
xGary Xx

Super Reviewer

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Latest News for 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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