Michael Harlan (John Stockwell) has procrastinated on his science project until the last minute, and his teacher (Dennis Hopper) issues him an ultimatum: turn in a science project or flunk.

So Mike scavenges a military base's junk pile for a suitable gizmo to pass off as his project. He finds one...and unwittingly unleashes the awesome power and energy of the unknown.

 Twisted dimensions. Time warps. A fantastic realm where the past, present and future collide in a whirling vortex that takes the class on a startling adventure back in time and into the future.

Lew Harlan. In one of his smallest screen roles ever, Barry plays Lew Harlan, owner of Harlan Hardware and father of Micheal, (John Stockwell). We don't learn too much about Lew except for the visual clues like the pictures and trophies which show he is an avid fisher. He is also about to be married to Dolores, (Ann Wedgeworth). Our first real look at Lew comes when Michael arrives home unexpectedly and finds his Dad's mouth smeared with Dolores' lipstick and both Lew and Dolores in a state of disarray, obviously interrupted in a passionate moment. Michael isn't keen on the idea of his father re-marrying. Lew insists Michael socialize with his new Step Mother. Lew and Dolores' wedding night is interrupted by the arrest of Michael by Detective Nulty, (Richard Massur) for breaking into a military junkyard in search of a science project.

LEW : HEY, MIKEY! HEY MIKE! Thought it was my kid here.

LEW : Ha-ha! I didn't expect you home so early! I-I got take out here! Why don't you...uh...grab yourself a table?

DOLORES : (Clearing throat).
LEW : Oh! Mike, I'd like you to meet Dolores. She's the sales representative for...uh...uh...
DOLORES : "Betty Joe."
LEW : "Betty Joe"...uh...cosmetics.

MIKE : What the hell happened here?
LEW : Oh! M--Mike! Ha, ha...How do you like the color scheme? Dolores did it...You remember...Dolores.

DOLORES : Hello, Michael! Is it so lovely to see you again.
MIKE : Lovely, lovely... I hardly recognize the place.
DOLORES : Oh, I just know that we shouldn't have gone off to Reno to get married like a couple of lovesick puppies.
LEW : Don't worry, sugar plum. I'll have a talk with him.

LEW : YOU are gonna come in and socialize with your new stepmother!!! Do I make myself clear?

MIKE : Hey, Dad. What is all this, huh?
LEW : Michael! I told detective Nulty everything I knew about the break-in, but he insisted on talking to you.

DETECTIVE NULTY : I'll tell you what, Michael. How about you and me take a little ride down to the station.
MIKE : What for?
DETECTIVE NULTY : I'm enjoying the conversation.
MIKE : Come on...it's 4:00.
LEW : I-I'M GOING WITH YOU!
DETECTIVE NULTY : Fine by me.
DOLORES : This is our wedding night!
DETECTIVE NULTY : Bring your wife, bring your kids, bring your whole family.
MIKE : Is it okay if I bring my jacket, huh? Is that okay Mister...?

LEW : Look, detective Nulty, take this fellow, fine, he's a delinquent anyway...
DETECTIVE NULTY : I don't have time for this conversation, just tell the sergeant all your personal information...

MIKE : I don't even know what I'm doing here.
LEW : Mike, what's happening?
DETECTIVE NULTY : Tell me a real fair story about this, boys.