3. The Time Machine (2002)
H.G. Wells is considered by many to be the father of science fiction, and for good reason. With books like "War of the Worlds" and "The Invisible Man," he introduced ideas to literature that would form the basis of what science fiction is today. However, his most famous novel (and my favorite), is "The Time Machine," a term which Wells himself came up with. The story follows a nameless inventor who creates a machine that allows him to travel through time. While using it, he ends up in the year 802,701 A.D., where the Earth has deteriorated into a more natural setting and is inhabited by two primary species: the peaceful, childlike Eloi, and the nocturnal, monstrous Morlocks. The novel itself is rather short, so like many literary adaptations, things needed to be added to make the story more coherent. Unfortunately, the story itself and many of the characters suffered as a result. I was especially bothered by the writers changing the Eloi from childish humanoids to just primitive humans. I get that the protagonist needs a love interest, but by changing the basic essence of what a character originally was, you're missing the point of the story. Add in a holographic A.I. who gives sarcastic remarks and inconsistencies regarding the nature of time travel itself, this movie took a story that was an excellent social critique and dumbed it down to a blockbuster adventure film. If you want to see a good "Time Machine" movie, stick with the classic Rod Taylor film. You won't get any satisfaction watching this adaptation.