As a documentary on the USS Nimitz, The Final Countdown is wonderful. As entertainment, however, it has the feeling of a telepic that strayed onto the big screen.

An idea worthy of Harlan Ellison, but disappointingly fumbled.

It's filled with technology, special effects and action. But it just doesn't make any sense.

The carrier has the power to divert history. But should it be done? For most of the film, this issue is sustained with surprising intelligence. Only the ending is something of a letdown.