In 1966, United Pictures released Dimension 5, a movie that blended science fiction and espionage to create something a little different from the norm. Sadly, it was all a little underwhelming when all was said and done but not as bad as some might think.

Starring Jeffrey Hunter, a man with an easy charm about him which played out on screen, yet despite that, it would sometimes work against him as there were moments when it seemed as if the man was phoning it all in. Written by Arthur C. Pierce, the material would not exactly set the industry on fire and considering how slowly paced this all was, it was no wonder that Hunter would give the performance he did. That is not to say it was all that bad, for there was some good to be found, namely in his co-star France Nuyen who would also play a spy, though for a rival country. It would find the two teaming up to take care of the man named Big Buddha who was looking to set off a nuclear device in Los Angeles on Christmas Day.

While the film was released theatrically, it was going to be given a general release on television and as one watches this movie, one can indeed tell what it was intended for as it plays out exactly like a television show. The problem is that it all comes across as a very average, very mediocre spy show. It feels almost like a cross between Get Smart and James Bond, not very serious but not very funny either – just dry with little wit and even less excitement. Sure, there is a bit of action to be had but none of it draws the viewer in as it is mainly a way to get from one plot point to the next and it too is fairly lethargic.

It would have been good to see the makers of this film playing up the science-fiction aspects of it all, namely the time travelling, the fifth dimension and the device being used. While there was some, it was simply not enough and it would have been good to see how it all came about and even what other missions they might have used the time-travelling belt for.  There was more spy thriller in this picture than there would be time travel. It was a wasted opportunity, especially given that the title specifically references how these people move through time and gives no indication that the movie would be anything other than a good science-fiction yarn.

Despite it all being a bit dull, even plodding at one point, the cast does their best and collectively remains one of the brighter points even if the material was not as strong. The special effects, for what they were, turned out to be adequate though one could see that it was all on a budget which is why there were few and the science-fiction elements were played down. In all, the audience would want for more but there was no more to give. Dimension 5 sounds great but do not be fooled, it is lacking in almost every way.

2 out of 5