Reviewed By: Flickman
Let me start by saying that Clockstoppers is a PG-rated Nickelodeon movie, so it’s clearly aimed at kids and families. With that in mind, I actually enjoyed it for what it is. I’ve always been a fan of time-related stories, so I figured I’d give this one a try. It’s more about slowing time down rather than full-on time travel or hopping into multiverses. Which, let’s be honest, has become a little overdone lately, especially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The movie follows a teenager named Zak, played by Jesse Bradford, who discovers a watch belonging to his father that can slow down time. The watch was originally sent to Zak’s father by Dr. Earl Doppler (French Stewart), a former student who needs help perfecting the invention. Zak starts experimenting with the watch with a new girl he likes, but things quickly turn south when he finds out he’s not the only one using this tech. The corporation behind the invention wants it back, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to retrieve it.
I won’t spoil the rest for anyone who hasn’t seen it, but it’s a fun little sci-fi flick that doesn’t require any heavy thinking. It actually gave me a bit of a Richie Rich vibe, minus the insane wealth and with more sci-fi mixed in. Maybe it was the gadgets, maybe the tone, maybe just the way it was filmed – who knows.
One thing I really enjoyed was the soundtrack. Since the movie came out in 2002, you get some Blink-182 and other early-2000s tracks I haven’t heard in ages. It was a pleasant surprise. The acting is about what you’d expect from a Nickelodeon kids’ movie – light, simple, and not meant to be taken too seriously. Let’s be honest, adults would probably use a time-stopping watch for far more chaotic reasons than pranking a school bully or making a dog pee in a meter maid’s car.
Ultimately, this is a movie you have to take at face value. It’s meant to be a goofy, fun sci-fi adventure for kids and not a deep, reality-bending time-travel story. If you try to analyze it too seriously, you’ll end up disappointed. But if you’re looking for something family-friendly that kids will enjoy, especially with its early-2000s effects and charm, it’s a perfectly good choice.
Overall Verdict: It's a decent sci-fi film for children and families. Not as good as Spy Kids or Richie Rich, but still entertaining enough that you're not going to be bored watching it with your child.
Releasing: February 27, 2026
Releasing: March 6, 2026
Releasing: March 6, 2026