As Time Goes By Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: As Time Goes By
| Movie | As Time Goes By |
| Release Year | 1988 |
| Director | Barry Peak |
| Genre | Comedy / Science Fiction |
| Runtime | 96 minutes (1h 36m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is As Time Goes By (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in As Time Goes By are led by Bruno Lawrence . The supporting cast, including Nique Needles and Ray Barrett , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While As Time Goes By does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, As Time Goes By has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: As Time Goes By
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, As Time Goes By is a Comedy, Science Fiction film directed by Barry Peak, written by Barry Peak. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bruno Lawrence as Ryder.
Ending Explained: As Time Goes By
As Time Goes By Ending Explained: A surfer abandoned in the middle of the Australian Outback encounters an alien who time-travels in a ship that looks like a 1950s greasy spoon restaurant and embroils the hero in a chase that involves him sorting out a time paradox so that he can wind back time to prevent the Japanese winning World War II. Directed by Barry Peak, this 1988 comedy film stars Bruno Lawrence (Ryder), alongside Nique Needles as Mike, Ray Barrett as J.L. Weston, Marcelle Schmitz as Connie Stanton. Rated 5.9/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of As Time Goes By?
A surfer abandoned in the middle of the Australian Outback encounters an alien who time-travels in a ship that looks like a 1950s greasy spoon restaurant and embroils the hero in a chase that involves him sorting out a time paradox so that he can wind back time to prevent the Japanese winning World War II.
How Does Bruno Lawrence (Ryder)'s Story End?
- Bruno Lawrence: Bruno Lawrence's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Nique Needles (Mike): Nique Needles's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ray Barrett (J.L. Weston): Ray Barrett's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of As Time Goes By Mean?
The ending of As Time Goes By brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Bruno Lawrence's story may not satisfy all audiences.
As Time Goes By Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is As Time Goes By Based on a True Story?
No, As Time Goes By is a work of fiction. While the comedy, science fiction film directed by Barry Peak and starring Bruno Lawrence may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch As Time Goes By?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
As Time Goes By Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about As Time Goes By age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of As Time Goes By (1988) is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Directed by Barry Peak, the film runs for 96 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, As Time Goes By is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is As Time Goes By worth watching?
As Time Goes By is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find As Time Goes By parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for As Time Goes By identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of As Time Goes By (1988)?
The runtime of As Time Goes By (1988) is 96 minutes (approximately 1h 36m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
