Review of 88 Minutes (2007) by Timothy S — 09 Jan 2011

There's a scene early on in "88 Minutes" that sets the tone for the entire movie. After being given a plate of cookies before an important meeting with the FBI, Al Pacino orders his secretary to give everyone in the meeting a glass of milk. It's an oddball moment typical of some of Pacino's most memorable roles, but this part will not be included among them. This is a ridiculous film full of moments like the cookies and milk scene that will have you rolling on the floor.

In an attempt to create cinema's ultimate serial killer and top the last 2 dozen serial killer movies, the film throws all logic and credibility out the window. Apparently the so-called Seattle Slayer was a boy scout because he uses a complex series of pullies and cables to torture his victims, and that just doesn't seem feasible. And even more incredulous is the movie's twist ending that reveals the copycat killer that takes over for the Slayer while he's in prison. It's ridiculous.

Along with the gifted Pacino, the film wastes the talents of Alicia Witt and Leelee Sobieski. The only actor that walks away from this train wreck unscathed is Neal MnDonough as the killer. He's got that whole psycho bad guy thing down to a science, and it works for him. He's someone you love to hate, even in dreck like this.

The picture is filled with quite a few "only in the movies" moments where a number of unbelievable coincidences are required to keep the story plodding along. And sadly enough, perhaps the worst thing about "88 Minutes" is that it runs about twenty minutes longer than that. What a waste.