Review of 30 Minutes or Less (2011) by Josh B — 09 Aug 2013

I cannot understand how anyone dislikes this movie. Maybe it is not the smartest or most arty film, it isn't supposed to be. Like Zombieland it takes a wonderful satirical look at young life and speaks clearly for anyone who has gone though the hopeless feeling of being stuck. However instead of feeding that annoying zombie fad 30 minutes plays out A more 'real' scenario in a surreal light. If you are too old or too 'normal' for lack of a better term you won't get this. You won't know those guys that think they are tough big shots and can do anything while occasionally quoting the "anarchist's Cookbook". You won't know the feeling of your friends leaving you behind because you can't get over your own bad choices and wasted potential. You won't be able to relate to that feeling when you first realize that you have some sense of agency even in situations where there seems to be none.

I hesitate to compare this to trainspotting, because it isn't. I would compare it to reality bites except that this movie seems more in touch with its target audience than that one was, with Bites simply pandering to the pretentious pre-daria crowd who basically felt bad about having to grow up and justified it by saying they did not and that growing up is dumb.

When I went to see this it was with a buddy who is a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids. It was fun as we tried to spot places we knew, but even more fun afterwards hearing his stories about how much the events mirrored his own life once the absurdity was removed.

Bottom line? Yes it is a dumb comedy. Yes it has something to say, and does so well. No the message isn't profound or shocking and it doesn't make the film high art. Taken for what it is though, it's a good movie.