Parents' Guide to

Somewhere in Time

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Moony time travel tale is best for incurable romantics.

Movie PG 1980 104 minutes
Somewhere in Time Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Speirto
Speirto Parent of 12-year-old
January 27, 2019
age 12+

Cheesy love story with beautiful setting.

I loved this movie as a kid and watched it with the 11 year old and grandma. Even though the kid is more prone to avengers stories than romances he put up well with it and enjoyed the time travel aspect to it. Yes there is one fairly brief scene with lots of innuendo as to imminent passion, but it is almost laughable because they take SO LONG to lie down on that bed while staring into each other's eyes. All you see is Christopher Reeves upper back for about 30 seconds before he turns off the lights. Realistically, I wouldn't have a problem with a 5 year old watching this, there is no swearing, nudity, drugs, etc. Just some kissing and a lot of angst. It's just that most young kids won't be that interested in the concept.
Julie B.
Julie B. Adult
March 18, 2018
age 15+

Not as innocent as the review says

Near the end is a fairly sensual sex scene. There's no full nudity, but it is clear that the main characters, who only met the day before and who hardly seem to know each other, are in a state of undress and are being intimate. I don't feel that a one-night stand is romantic or innocent. I watched this because I'm hoping to visit Mackinac Island someday, and this is largely filmed at its Grand Hotel. The 1912 costumes come off a little bit late-1970s dated, but the scenery and clothing are still of interest. I can enjoy a good romance, but I still can't figure out what she saw in him, and it still seems to me like he only fell in love with her because of her looks. Overall, I came away disappointed. True believers in "love at first sight" might enjoy it more.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Playwright Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) is confronted by an elegant older woman who gives him a pocket-watch while he is cutting the cake at a celebration of his first play. He is stunned to hear her whisper, "Come back to me." A few years later when he is struck by writer's block, he finds himself in his old college town staying at the Grand Hotel. He's instantly struck by a beautiful woman's photograph in the hotel's Hall of History, and, with some help, proceeds to travel back in time to try to find her. Sure enough, when Elise (Jane Seymour) looks deeply into his eyes and asks, "Are you the one?" they fall in love. Whether Richard can keep a foot in time past gives this romantic fantasy a touch of mystery.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (1):

Romantics everywhere will swoon to watch Christopher Reeve court Jane Seymour in this classic period piece. It's a little hokey at times (time travel in a hotel room, really?), but the film successfully captures the chemistry between the two actors, making the love story a little more believable. Elise's reticence to fall in love with Richard, coupled with the intensity and gentle quality of Richard's appeals make for good, gooey romance.

Moreover, by recreating the heyday of the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan, the movie gains another leading lady. This hotel is unlike any other, and its elegance and monument to time past brings a little credence to the unrealistic time-travel bit. Scenes depicting the lovers rowing a boat on the lake, strolling on the vast lawns, or dancing in the grand ballroom work very nicely. Cynics or macho types won't find this movie tolerable: it's really meant for dreamers and lovers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about love and its power to bring people together, as well as its power to break hearts. How do different people deal with the end of a relationship, or the loss of a loved one? How do Richard and Elise cope with their separation?

  • Time travel is a central theme to this movie. How does Richard try to travel through time? What does the concept of time mean to you? Do you relate to certain eras more than others? Why do you think that this is so?

Movie Details

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