Bruce Joel Rubin

writer
Feature Film

Jacob’s Ladder

Vietnam War vet Jacob might be experiencing time travel and a couple of alternative universes where he lives with a different wife in 1975 New York or where his dead son Gabe is alive again. But a full explanation of the events is never given in the plot, and it seems more likely to be the result of a government drug experiment, or maybe passing through Hell, or—most likely— a moment-of-death experience. —Michael Main
Eckhart saw Hell too. He said the only thing that burns in Hell is the part of you that won’t let go of life, your memories, your attachments. They burn them all away, but they’re not punishing you, he said, they’re freeing your soul. So the way he sees it, if you’re frightened of dying and . . . and you’re holding on, you’ll see devils tearing your life away. But if you’ve made your peace, then the devils are really angels, freeing you from the earth. It’s just a matter of how you look at it, that's all. So don’t worry, okay? Okay?
The screaming face of Tim Robbins (as Jacob Singer) on a black background.
  • Horror
  • Debatable Time Travel
Feature Film

The Last Mimzy

The people of the future are dying, so they send time-traveling dolls back to 2007 where they can communicate only with sappy Seattle children. —Michael Main
They’ve been sending other Mimzies to the past to look for it, but none of them have come back.
With their backs to us, young Chris O
  • Science Fiction
  • Audience: Families
  • Definite Time Travel
Feature Film

The Time Traveler’s Wife

I thought the book suffered from not exploring the consequences of Henry’s travel on free will and determinism, but the movie was even shallower.

I watched this one with Harry on my short visit to Scotland in the summer of 2010. —Michael Main
And after she gives him the blanket she happens to be carrying, he explains to her that he’s a time traveler. Now, for some reason I’ll never understand, she believes him.
In an image turned sideways, Eric Bana (as Henry) lies on Rachel McAdams (as Clare), whose wedding ring is prominent.
  • Fantasy
  • Romance
  • Definite Time Travel