30 Minutes or Less (2011)

Two fledgling criminals kidnap a pizza delivery guy, strap a bomb to his chest, and inform him that he has mere hours to rob a bank or else...

Jess' Review

Bo Jo officially announced the lockdown towards the end of tonight’s film. It was pretty intense, scary even - but I think, inevitable. Sam and I had a good worry about it all before sucking it up, acting as stereotypical Brits and carrying on. We pressed play on our movie of choice, fortunately a comedy, and watched 30 Minutes or Less.

30 Minutes or Less sees Jesse Eisenberg’s Nick Davis kidnapped and forced into a bank robbery, with only best friend, an excellent Aziz Ansari, to see him through. The two leads are great. They bounce off each other with fantastic comedic dialogue, but I find myself cracking up more at Danny McBride’s villainous Dwayne Mikowlski. Having recently watched Eastbound & Down, as well as starting The Righteous Gemstones, we are firm McBride fans in this household - and he did not disappoint.

The plot was predictable, a bit sloppy in places and overly convenient in others. I clocked a number of moments where FOR SURE, that bomb jacket would’ve detonated. But it was fun. It made me laugh and was an easy watch. I personally struggle with comedies (as I’ve previously noted) and this just falls into the same category of mediocrity that usually deters me. It’s not necessarily bad, but it lacks the depth, heart and intrigue that appeal to me in filmmaking.

Perhaps my judgement is slightly eschewed by the few pauses for news updates. It’s hard to stay positive and laughing in this climate. But we tried our goddamn best to do so, with pizza and a decent, comedy jaunt.

5/10

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Sam's Review

Day 4. Things are getting rough... Jess is flourishing in these reviews, whilst I am not. This was meant to be an exercise to keep us from being bored, but I am finding a newfound respect for film critics, and Jess.

30 Minutes or Less is an easy watch, it's a shorter film (around 80 minutes long) that moves at a steady pace. Is it a clever film? No. And nor is it trying to be. It's easy going, with a straightforward story and a simple plot. One or two plot-holes lie in wait, but they can be shrugged off and chalked up to Dwayne Mikowlski's stupidity, played by Danny McBridge.

The humour leans towards immature at times, but coming from McBride I can find almost anything funny, and it certainly elicits a few laughs. And Aziz Ansari is perfectly cast as Chet, his cherub-like innocence lending weight to the role of plucky best friend.

It isn't thought-provoking and doesn't attempt to reach to be something it's not, which I appreciate. It's comfortable being an easy, but fun film, and it does it well.

6/10