THE FINAL COUNTDOWN Original Daybill Movie poster Kirk Douglas Martin Sheen

The Final Countdown (1980)

Directed by Don Taylor.

With Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, Katharine Ross, James Farentino, Ron O’Neal, Charles Durning

“The Final Countdown” is a 1980 science fiction film directed by Don Taylor and starring Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, and James Farentino. The film follows the crew of a modern naval aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, as they are transported back in time to the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

The premise of the film is intriguing, and it raises questions about the ethics of interfering with historical events. The crew grapples with the decision of whether to intervene and potentially alter the course of history or to stand by and let events unfold as they did in the past. This moral dilemma adds depth to the storyline and keeps viewers engaged throughout the film.

The special effects in “The Final Countdown” are impressive, especially considering the film was made in 1980. The scenes of the aircraft carrier and its modern fighter jets juxtaposed with the historic backdrop of Pearl Harbor are visually stunning. The aerial combat sequences are particularly well-executed and add an element of excitement to the film.

The performances in “The Final Countdown” are solid, with Kirk Douglas delivering a strong and commanding performance as the captain of the USS Nimitz. Martin Sheen and James Farentino also deliver solid performances as members of the ship’s crew, bringing depth and humanity to their characters.

Overall, “The Final Countdown” is an engaging and thought-provoking film that combines elements of science fiction, historical drama, and action. While the film may not be perfect, it succeeds in entertaining viewers and sparking conversations about the power of time travel and the impact of altering history. Fans of science fiction and military films will likely enjoy “The Final Countdown” for its unique premise and thrilling action sequences.