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Timeline

  • 2003
  • PG-13
  • 1h 56m
IMDb RATING
5.6/10
68K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
4,362
670
Gerard Butler, Frances O'Connor, and Paul Walker in Timeline (2003)
Home Video Trailer from Paramount Home Entertainment
Play trailer1:35
1 Video
60 Photos
Time TravelActionAdventureSci-FiWar

A group of archaeologists get embroiled in an adventure where they must travel back in time to 14th Century France, to save their professor before the French battle the English at Castlegard... Read allA group of archaeologists get embroiled in an adventure where they must travel back in time to 14th Century France, to save their professor before the French battle the English at Castlegard. If they fail, they won't be able to return.A group of archaeologists get embroiled in an adventure where they must travel back in time to 14th Century France, to save their professor before the French battle the English at Castlegard. If they fail, they won't be able to return.

  • Director
    • Richard Donner
  • Writers
    • Michael Crichton
    • Jeff Maguire
    • George Nolfi
  • Stars
    • Paul Walker
    • Gerard Butler
    • Billy Connolly
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.6/10
    68K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    4,362
    670
    • Director
      • Richard Donner
    • Writers
      • Michael Crichton
      • Jeff Maguire
      • George Nolfi
    • Stars
      • Paul Walker
      • Gerard Butler
      • Billy Connolly
    • 522User reviews
    • 87Critic reviews
    • 29Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Timeline
    Trailer 1:35
    Timeline

    Photos60

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    + 54
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    Top cast54

    Edit
    Paul Walker
    Paul Walker
    • Chris Johnston
    Gerard Butler
    Gerard Butler
    • Andre Marek
    Billy Connolly
    Billy Connolly
    • Professor Johnston
    Frances O'Connor
    Frances O'Connor
    • Kate Ericson
    David Thewlis
    David Thewlis
    • Robert Doniger
    Anna Friel
    Anna Friel
    • Lady Claire
    Neal McDonough
    Neal McDonough
    • Frank Gordon
    Matt Craven
    Matt Craven
    • Steven Kramer
    Ethan Embry
    Ethan Embry
    • Josh Stern
    Michael Sheen
    Michael Sheen
    • Lord Oliver
    Lambert Wilson
    Lambert Wilson
    • Lord Arnaut
    Marton Csokas
    Marton Csokas
    • Sir William De Kere…
    Rossif Sutherland
    Rossif Sutherland
    • François Dontelle
    Steve Kahan
    Steve Kahan
    • Baker
    David La Haye
    David La Haye
    • Arnaut's Deputy
    Richard Zeman
    Richard Zeman
    • Oliver's Lieutenant
    Patrick Sabongui
    Patrick Sabongui
    • Jimmy Gomez
    Mike Chute
    Mike Chute
    • Bill Baretto
    • Director
      • Richard Donner
    • Writers
      • Michael Crichton
      • Jeff Maguire
      • George Nolfi
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews522

    5.668.4K
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    Featured reviews

    5shanfloyd

    Another great story wasted.

    Sorry, the book had so much potential to be turned into an awesome film. But this low-budget crap with pathetic screenplay, well, kinda dishonored Crichton. All the book-to-film changes (Yes, all!) slowly destroyed the film. Paul walker looks fine like Chris but he cannot act; and Frances O'Connor is a fine actress but the role of Kate isn't for her. Gerard Butler on the other hand might be one good thing in the whole film. The multiverse-travel scene is a total disaster. The character development of the lead people, and also Doniger, is left behind which took away much taste from the story.

    Reading the book is more recommended.
    8phoebes_jeebies

    Enjoyed It

    I truly enjoyed this movie. It really isn't as bad as most of the reviews I've read make it out to be. It was not horrible or a waste of time. I rented it first and liked it so much I bought it. I'd recommend it for anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi movies for their entertainment value. I haven't read the book, so I can't make any comparisons. I think the whole story came together smoothly. Overall the acting was good, however Paul Walker would probably benefit from a few more classes. Gerard Butler was awesome in his role as Marek. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot him in the future (no pun intended). I loved the beginning, the end, and everything in between. I give it a strong 8.
    5n7zuq

    The movie is fine, but treat yourself and read the book too

    Based on some of the other comments I was expecting to hate this movie. I didn't, but I see why the reviews seem so negative. There are so many things to pick at, and no real bright spots to talk up.

    It really wasn't that bad. It wasn't great, but it's worth a rental. I'm not sure I would have felt I got my money's worth in the theater.

    I'm sure it was a tough chore to convert the original story to a 2-hour movie script. They had to take several liberties and condense quite a bit to do so. Unfortunately, that affected the flow and the movie ends up being a little choppy. How and why they go back in time is pretty well cut out of the movie and without any detail the believability is nil. The story boils down to a pretty standard chase and explosion thriller set in the middle ages.

    Definitely treat yourself to a read of the book the movie is based on. Like any book, the depth of characterization is so much more rich and interesting than what comes through in the movie. Once you get past the introductory technical jargon to set up the story it is a real page turner.
    6leitmotif3

    Not Bad as a Stand Alone

    I've read the book more than once, and completely understand Michael Crichton's objections to this film adaptation. I also understand why so many who enjoyed the book feel the same way. But, a film adaptation is a film first and an adaptation second. As an adventure epic with a science fiction foundation, it's not that bad. The pacing is adequate, the character development sufficient to engender interest in the various players' fates and the overall cinematography journeyman proficient. If you have a few hours on a rainy day, and haven't read the book, have at it, and enjoy!
    5ma-cortes

    Archaeological group goes to Middle Age where takes place several adventures

    An archaeological outfit formed by young students (Paul Walker, Frances O'Connor , Gerard Butler and others) using a time machine go back to ¨100 years war¨ where starring's father (Billy Connolly) before had gone and lost .

    The protagonist group will have to confront deal of dangers and adventures and will fight between English and French army . As a group of medieval re-enactors were used for soldiers in battle sequences . The crew of the movie visited various European castles from around that period , the late 1300s , to make the castles and towns look as realistic as possible.

    The runtime film is adjusted about hundred minutes and for that reason isn't boring , neither tiring . The movie blends action , historical events , suspense , medieval battles and is enough amusing . The picture didn't fail at the box office but wasn't a real success either . From the start until the ending the action and the fast-moving is continued but there is a wrong pace . The picture is partially based on historical events ; however , the battle of Castlegard is not an actual historical deed . Very good cast such as Gerard Butler , though Pierce Brosnan turned down the role of Andre Marek ; in addition , Paul Walker , David Tweliss , Anna Friel and a beautiful Frances O'Connor .

    Brian Tyler's musical score is outstanding and nice cinematography by expert cameraman Caleb Deschanel . Direction by Richard Donner is average , in spite of a lot of good films he has directed . The picture will appeal historical period buffs and battles lovers . Rating 5,5 /10 , mediocre .

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    Related interests

    Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future (1985)
    Time Travel
    Bruce Willis in Die Hard (1988)
    Action
    Still frame
    Adventure
    James Earl Jones and David Prowse in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
    Sci-Fi
    Band of Brothers (2001)
    War

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Michael Crichton, author of the same-titled book on which this movie was based, disliked this movie so much that he refused to licence any more movies based on his novels. Nobody would gain the movie rights to a Michael Crichton book until Steven Spielberg, long-time friend of Crichton, bought the rights to "Pirate Latitudes" after Crichton's death.
    • Goofs
      Decker yells "Fire!" to the archers at the river. But "fire" was an expression that only developed after the invention and widespread use of gunpowder and firearms. Before then, archers were commanded to "shoot" or to "loose" their arrows.
    • Quotes

      Marek: We're speaking the same language, but you don't understand a word I'm saying, do you?

      Lady Claire: No.

    • Connections
      Featured in Troldspejlet: Episode #30.7 (2004)
    • Soundtracks
      Just A Little Bad
      Written & Performed by Vikkie Rae Jordan

      Courtesy of Marc Ferrari/MasterSource

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    FAQ19

    • How long is Timeline?Powered by Alexa
    • What is the fate of the people who travelled into the past?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 26, 2003 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Rescate en el tiempo
    • Filming locations
      • Mascouche, Québec, Canada
    • Production companies
      • Paramount Pictures
      • Mutual Film Company
      • Donners' Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $80,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $19,481,943
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $8,440,629
      • Nov 30, 2003
    • Gross worldwide
      • $43,935,763
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 56m(116 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • DTS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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