Timeline MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: -1

In this science-fiction action film based on Michael Crichtons novel, a team of archaeology students and their professor (Billy Connolly) work to uncover the ruins of a 14th century castle in France. When the professor disappears, the students and the profs son (Paul Walker) trace the disappearance to a new invention that is able to transport objects through space. Intended to revolutionize package delivery, the new technology opens a worm hole in time that leads to 14th century France during the French/English War. A team including some of the students is sent back in time to rescue the professor. Using their skills and understanding of the past, they experience firsthand the very history that they have been researching. They will need resourcefulness and good fortune to make it back alive.

As time-travel movies go, this is mildly entertaining but not one of the better ones. It includes numerous scenes of medieval violence sword fights and fiery attacks on a castle but none of the fighting is excessively gory or bloody. The tools and weapons appear to be accurate to the time period including some great scenes involving a trebuchet a fearsome, gravity-powered catapult that flings stone missiles with great speed, accuracy and destructive force. Romance plays a part in the story but is limited to a few short kisses with the characters clothing remaining on. The most morally objectionable aspect of the film is the bad language. The films few positive elements do not overcome the objectionable elements that prevent Preview from recommending this one.

Preview Reviewer: Alan Boyer
Distributor: Paramount Pictures