I really enjoy these action-comedy hybrid types. Very fun. With that being said, I will admit that I am certainly within the demographic of the target audience for this film. That demographic being high school boys, college dudes, and young men in their 20s. Perhaps even some in their 30s and possibly 40s could enjoy it too. But, mainly those ages 17 to 28 will especially enjoy this entertaining "dude flick." So, with all of that in mind, I may seem a little bias towards this particular type of film since I am in fact in my 20s. I will try my best to criticize as I see fit. And, let me just reiterate by saying that this movie is definitely not for everyone and may get a bad rap with all those older professional film critics out there.
On to the review.
Set in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 30 Minutes or Less begins with the driving montage of a pizza delivery man named Nick, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg. The song featured in the montage was Tick Tick Boom, by The Hives. Being a Hives fan I enjoyed it immensely. Ya see.. Nick works for a man that resembles the private parts of a grown man, and he has to deliver the pizza under 30 minutes, otherwise it's free of charge and it's taken out of his paycheck. It becomes tricky when the orders are placed outside of the proper delivery radius. His boss doesn't care, and even though Nick has a junker Ford Mustang, his insane driving skills make it all possible. Great set-up for what is about to unfold in the next about 80 gut-wrenching minutes, okay.. maybe not gut-wrenching, but you'll definitely feel something if you laugh like I did.
We all know Eisenberg made a brilliant performance in The Social Network, but I enjoy the other characters he can play too. He can do the smart-slacker or the smart-achiever or a mixture of the two, while simultaneously being funny. Not many actors can play multiple attributes so opposite of each other in completely different genres. And, for the ones that can do that, they are the best of the best and the most famous. I look forward to Jesse's career.
If you at all enjoyed the director's other action-comedy Zombieland, then this one is for you too. Both will keep you laughing hysterically, while grabbing your attention with somewhat of a sympathetic appeal. I look forward to more of Ruben Fleischer's films, even if they don't all end up being comedies. He can really entertain on screen with a simplistic approach. I like that. The idea of his films are over the top, but the cinematic approach is not. His next project is in pre- production and scheduled for 2013, The Gangster Squad. Also, for those of you whom are Pineapple Express fans, you will most certainly enjoy 30 Minutes or Less.
The plot of the film is seemingly as simple as they come, but still works well for a movie like this. The idiotic duo of Dwayne and Travis, played by Danny McBride and Nick Swardson in that order, make it all that much more entertaining. They are tired of being poor losers and want something bigger for themselves. With the help of Travis' unexpected pyrotechnic understanding and Dwayne's insanely (what he believes to be smart) entrepreneurial mind, the two are able to come up with a Dastardly plan to acquire enough cash to hire an assassin (Michael Peña) to kill Dwayne's dad, The Major, portrayed by Fred Ward. Side note: I found it interesting that Danny McBride's character is always having daddy issues (i.e. the TV show Eastbound & Down); well, I guess that's the only other role I can think of, but still funny.
Obviously the plan that Dwayne comes up with entails the hostage use of Nick. Nick then convinces his best-friend Chet, Aziz Ansari, to get involved with this life or death situation. Along with Jesse Eisenberg, Aziz is definitely becoming one of my favorite comedic actors. Most notably known for his role as the character Tom Haverford in NBC's Parks and Recreation, he always gives my cheek and abdominal muscles a workout.
Without giving away too much of the simplistic plot, it's obvious what happens here just by watching the trailer for this movie.
So, throughout the film Nick is caught up with his romantic interest Kate, Dilshad Vadsaria; and although attractive, she doesn't really add anything to the film. As sappyily annoying as it was, they should have just stuck with a strict bromance.
The car chasing was appealingly entertaining, but with the CGI so common these days it was nothing that I haven't seen before and before again. I just thought they could have done something more insane during those scenes.
Although not for everyone, if you agree with most of what I have just wrote about this action-comedy flick, then I would highly recommend you go check it out with all your buddies. This may be a movie to take your significant other to as well, but I'd leave it to the platonic guys night out. If you are hesitant to pay the $8+, then I'd wait for the DVD availability. Enjoy it with a case of beer.
8/10 Stars.
On to the review.
Set in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 30 Minutes or Less begins with the driving montage of a pizza delivery man named Nick, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg. The song featured in the montage was Tick Tick Boom, by The Hives. Being a Hives fan I enjoyed it immensely. Ya see.. Nick works for a man that resembles the private parts of a grown man, and he has to deliver the pizza under 30 minutes, otherwise it's free of charge and it's taken out of his paycheck. It becomes tricky when the orders are placed outside of the proper delivery radius. His boss doesn't care, and even though Nick has a junker Ford Mustang, his insane driving skills make it all possible. Great set-up for what is about to unfold in the next about 80 gut-wrenching minutes, okay.. maybe not gut-wrenching, but you'll definitely feel something if you laugh like I did.
We all know Eisenberg made a brilliant performance in The Social Network, but I enjoy the other characters he can play too. He can do the smart-slacker or the smart-achiever or a mixture of the two, while simultaneously being funny. Not many actors can play multiple attributes so opposite of each other in completely different genres. And, for the ones that can do that, they are the best of the best and the most famous. I look forward to Jesse's career.
If you at all enjoyed the director's other action-comedy Zombieland, then this one is for you too. Both will keep you laughing hysterically, while grabbing your attention with somewhat of a sympathetic appeal. I look forward to more of Ruben Fleischer's films, even if they don't all end up being comedies. He can really entertain on screen with a simplistic approach. I like that. The idea of his films are over the top, but the cinematic approach is not. His next project is in pre- production and scheduled for 2013, The Gangster Squad. Also, for those of you whom are Pineapple Express fans, you will most certainly enjoy 30 Minutes or Less.
The plot of the film is seemingly as simple as they come, but still works well for a movie like this. The idiotic duo of Dwayne and Travis, played by Danny McBride and Nick Swardson in that order, make it all that much more entertaining. They are tired of being poor losers and want something bigger for themselves. With the help of Travis' unexpected pyrotechnic understanding and Dwayne's insanely (what he believes to be smart) entrepreneurial mind, the two are able to come up with a Dastardly plan to acquire enough cash to hire an assassin (Michael Peña) to kill Dwayne's dad, The Major, portrayed by Fred Ward. Side note: I found it interesting that Danny McBride's character is always having daddy issues (i.e. the TV show Eastbound & Down); well, I guess that's the only other role I can think of, but still funny.
Obviously the plan that Dwayne comes up with entails the hostage use of Nick. Nick then convinces his best-friend Chet, Aziz Ansari, to get involved with this life or death situation. Along with Jesse Eisenberg, Aziz is definitely becoming one of my favorite comedic actors. Most notably known for his role as the character Tom Haverford in NBC's Parks and Recreation, he always gives my cheek and abdominal muscles a workout.
Without giving away too much of the simplistic plot, it's obvious what happens here just by watching the trailer for this movie.
So, throughout the film Nick is caught up with his romantic interest Kate, Dilshad Vadsaria; and although attractive, she doesn't really add anything to the film. As sappyily annoying as it was, they should have just stuck with a strict bromance.
The car chasing was appealingly entertaining, but with the CGI so common these days it was nothing that I haven't seen before and before again. I just thought they could have done something more insane during those scenes.
Although not for everyone, if you agree with most of what I have just wrote about this action-comedy flick, then I would highly recommend you go check it out with all your buddies. This may be a movie to take your significant other to as well, but I'd leave it to the platonic guys night out. If you are hesitant to pay the $8+, then I'd wait for the DVD availability. Enjoy it with a case of beer.
8/10 Stars.