Filmmaker Mike Jackson brings sci-fi nostalgia to the big screen in his throwback genre comedy, Time Helmet. As the director, writer, and editor, Jackson time-travels back to the 70s and 80s to tell the story of a kooky inventor’s creation gone wrong. Buzzing with charisma and bold visuals, Time Helmet is a lighthearted watch with vintage flair. The film recently screened at the 2025 Gen Con Film Festival in Indianapolis, IN.

The Hunt for the Time-Traveling Patent Troll

Donald Voltmann (Peter New) is a man whose frenetic energy matches that of a lightning bolt. Dubbed a “Boy Genius” in his younger years, Don talks a mile a minute as he shows off his latest invention to his neighbor, Ferris (Lou Ticzon). Don proudly demonstrates his Time Travel Helmet, a device that can transport him into the future. Initially, Don views the helmet as a way to turn his life around by consulting with his future self on how to live a good life. However, his future self has a more sinister trajectory. Future Don realizes that this ability is also an opportunity to mess with his ex-wife (Rhona Rees) by stealing the patent to Tube Monkey, a product she has worked incredibly hard to create.

Current Don and Future Don are now at odds with each other, as they also find themselves fighting other external battles. In addition to engaging in a bitter feud with his ex, Don is also on the run from Officer Prudence Slaughter (Camryn MacDonald) of the Time Police. Officer Slaugher catches wind of Don’s patent-stealing “time crime,” and makes it her mission to bring him to justice no matter what it takes.

A Love Letter to Old Science Fiction Films

Reminiscent of the Back to the Future trilogy, Time Helmet is a clever and cheeky sci-fi comedy that all ages can enjoy. There is a commendable DIY spirit that emanates throughout the film, as seen in the heartfelt performances and thorough production design. It’s no easy feat to pull off a time-traveling feature film on an indie budget, but filmmaker Mike Jackson makes this squeeze look effortless. As an Emmy-nominated editor, Jackson’s work in post-production is on full display here. The hyperness of Don’s character is matched in the edit, creating momentum so visceral that you can’t help but get sucked into the film.

Director’s Statement

“This movie was ‘The Little Engine That Could’. Constantly pushing the limits of its small budget and limited resources, battling countless obstacles, but somehow always pulling through. The COVID lockdowns started three weeks into our shoot, and it was several months before we could resume. Post-production (and over 570 VFX shots) took almost four years to complete. This film only exists because a huge number of people gave it their all, every day for weeks at a time. It was a labor of love and a dream come true. I hope audiences feel that love when they watch it, and also get some good laughs in the bargain.”

Takeaway

Equally kooky and heartfelt, Time Helmet is a love letter to the glory days of rough and ready sci-fi. Impressively, the film also marks Mike Jackson’s first feature as a director. Prior to this, he directed numerous award-winning shorts and music videos and was a renowned sci-fi illustrator before transitioning to film.