fom4life
When a friend of mine saw my movie selection, he vowed that he would never under any circumstances watch this film. Somehow he did end up watching it and liked it. I guess I did too. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it did end up being a charming and fun film to watch. It was free at the library so I though 'What's to lose but two hours of my life.' It reminded me of similar but better films. 1985's 'Explorers' with a young Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix is one such film, along with 'Back to the Future' (also 1985), which they make reference to in the film, and 'Clockstoppers'. If the film was made more seriously like those films it would probably stand as a great sci-fi classic. But alas it was made with a Disney Chanel quality to it. It is a sci-fi scenario processed through a pre-teen comedy lens. But remember I said I liked it.It has enough charm and fun moments to make it a satisfying viewing experience. Like any good sci-fi story it has some good food for thought. Three high schoolers become heroes who travel back in time to save nerds from embarrassment. The time vortex they use for time travel is a whirlwind of light they use a diving board to jump into. Is saving nerds from embarrassment a good thing? Once the nerds are saved they shed their humble and peaceful personas and develop cockiness and pride. Some people have never learned that suffering and embarrassment are sometimes vehicles that strengthen a person's character and keep them humble and good.Overall not a bad little picture. Wouldn't be bad to own in your library and is at least worth a rental.
Michael O'Keefe
Not exactly the best from Walt Disney Studios; but neither the worst. Adults may want to make sure there is someone younger than 14 in the room with them to save embarrassment. Three zeroes become heroes. Hi-tech geek Charlie Tuttle(Luke Benward)creates a time machine which he stole plans for from a NASA archive. He brings in Virgil(Jason Dolley), who in turn brings in the outsider Zeke(Nicholas Braun)to engineer their trips to the recent past to change embarrassing moments for themselves and other unfortunate nerds. Several government agencies including the FBI and NASA discover what is going on; but now there is a fear of a black hole destroying all time forever. Also in the cast: Chelsea Staub, J.P. Manoux, Steven R. McQueen and Kellie Cockrell.
A_Random_Guy_22
I'm not a big fan of Disney Channel Original Movies (apart from the High School Musical films), so I was pleasantly surprised by Minutemen. I've only seen it twice so far, but it's become one of my favourite movies ever and definitely my favourite movie of 2008. The only reason it doesn't get a 10/10 is because it has that Disney Channel feel to it - and that's not a good thing in my opinion. But still, I can't wait to get the eventual DVD. I'll be there first day of sales! I don't know why some people don't like this movie, I mean, it's got a great young cast, a good story, good effects (for Disney Channel), so why the hate? Give this movie a chance. I'm sure you'll love it. I did.
Clarinerd0102
I watched this movie last night with my sisters and was somewhat disappointed with it. The plot itself wasn't too shabby, but I don't think that Disney did as good of a job with it as they could have. The acting was mediocre. Of course, the script may have been mostly at fault moreso than the actors themselves. The script called for the characters to be way overdone, i.e. the nerds were unrealistically nerdy and the jocks were super jerks. And the little sister of Virgil(Jason Dolley) was an absolute brat, where were the parents? I did find this movie to be fairly predictable, especially since the previews leading up to it kind of gave away a good portion of the plot. In fact, previews in general tend to do that. Why, I do not know. Now, I know I've basically bashed the movie, but it wasn't a complete waste of my time. It's a fun movie for kids, to point out a positive. At least that's one thing you can always count on with DCOMs, is that they're decent and family friendly. Despite my criticism, I will probably find myself watching it again when it comes on. So, if you get the chance, check it out for yourself!