Time Walker

Time Walker (1982) is an intriguing amalgamation of science fiction, horror, and suspense, offering a unique blend of ancient Egypt, alien presence, and collegiate setting. Headlined by Ben Murphy, Nina Axelrod, and Kevin Brophy, this unlikely mixture provides a unique viewing experience that enthrals audience with its combination of mysterious ancient relics, a suspenseful archaeological discovery plot, and extraterrestrial elements.

The film opens with an archaeological expedition that uncovers a mysterious five-thousand-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus during an excavation. The sarcophagus is transported to the California Institute of the Sciences where Professor Douglas McCadden, played by Ben Murphy, and his team of student assistants begin to study it. Unbeknownst to them, this unusual relic is far from being an ordinary archaeological find. In a peculiar turn of events, the sarcophagus awakens, harbouring an alien force from another time and space, who has been hibernating within it. It soon becomes clear that this being isn’t exactly thrilled about being disturbed from its millennia long sleep.

Ben Murphy as Professor McCadden exudes an engaging blend of charisma and intellectual curiosity. He assesses the mysterious sarcophagus with scientific fascination and amazement, unaware of the impending set of unusual occurrences the mummy will trigger. As the exploratory work begins on the recently found artefact, he finds mysterious and colourful crystals hidden within the sarcophagus –these are not of earthly origin, they belong to the ancient interstellar traveller encapsulated within the sarcophagus.

Nina Axelrod provides a spirited performance as Susie Fuller, one of McCadden’s students working on the excavation project. As one of the critical characters, she adds the personal-drama dimension to the movie, shaping the narrative in more ways than one. Susie's romantic entanglement with Peter Sharpe, portrayed by Kevin Brophy, adds another layer of suspense and interest to the otherwise sci-fi heavy plot.

The plot thickens as one student, Peter Sharpe, gets obsessed with the crystals and steals a few of them, believing they hold substantial financial value. In reality, these crystals are essential to the alien for its journey back home. Unsettled and disoriented by the loss of his precious crystals, the Time Walker, encapsulated as the mummy, then embarks upon a frantic quest for retrieving his intergalactic possessions, leading to a series of bizarre incidents around the campus.

The tone of the movie is a blend of suspense, horror, and occasional sci-fi flair, aided by a gripping soundtrack and eerie cinematography. The narrative seamlessly transitions between the university research lab setup to a deadly chase around the campus. The presence of an alien creature disguised as an Egyptian mummy gives a fresh perspective to the age-old mummy folklore, infusing it with a sci-fi twist.

The smaller ensemble of characters that includes eccentric nerds, a competitive jock, an over-ambitious reporter and a skeptical police sheriff adds extra flavour to the plot. Each plays a crucial role in shaping the overarching narrative and adds an additional layer of intrigue as the Time Walker relentlessly follows its pursuit.

The 1982 movie 'Time Walker' makes for a perfect watch for those who enjoy suspenseful sci-fi horror. The extraordinary narrative that merges an alien premise with Egyptian lore, the unique setting of a college campus for a horror story, and a cast that convincingly drives the story forward make it an unforgettable experience. The movie excels in delivering thrills, mysterious happenings, and a storyline that keeps you guessing till the end.