MOVIE REVIEW - 30 Minutes Or Less

With an open mind, what we think is funny in movies and entertainment is always changing and evolving. And that will not, and should not ever change

What was funny in 1969, was not near as funny in 1989. And so it goes. This change has been amplified and accelerated in the past 10 years or so. Much of the comedy since say 2000 has lost it's luster with viewers, and now there has been a new era ushered in. There are exceptions, and classics that do transcend time. You know them when you see them.

That brings us to the new 30 Minutes Or Less comedy this week. This "dude" comedy stars Jesse Eisenberg and Danny McBride. In summary, a young going nowhere pizza delivery dude (Eisenberg) is grabbed by some other dudes (McBride), and has a bomb strapped to him. He is told that unless he robs a bank in the next few hours and gets them 100 grand, they will remotely blow him up. Then the crazy antics begin as our "hero" courts his friends to help him pull off this diabolical plan.

There are a few funny moments in this movie, but that is true in virtually any summer comedy. But that's where it will end for some. In a pure movie making world, the makers of this movie absolutely know their audience. In the theater large groups of young viewers (early 20's, girls and boys both) laughing at virtually everything that was happening of screen. Being fair, no movie ever made is that funny. They were caught up in this ADD, crazy, wacky movie that is loud and borderline chaotic at every turn. They all thought the constant swearing, and crude, and deep sexual references, were just the funniest thing in the world. You can't fault them, or the movie makers. It is the perfect storm, knowing what your fans want and giving it to them for 90 minutes.

It is funny to go to the movies for many years and see how different patrons are. It is interesting to watch new viewers virtually not being able to be offended in any way. No matter what is said or done, No matter how degraded the movie characters actually end up being portrayed on screen, and how often the cycle is repeated. Are we seeing a new generation so desensitised that there is nothing off limits? That the deeper the offensive language is, the grosser the gags are, and that all they really want to laugh at is an envelope that is pushed as far as it seemingly can go? Some of the comedies this summer would have you thinking that. This is just one of many.

Eisenberg is a fine young actor from Zombieland, and of course The Social Network. I have liked his work, but there's really no acting here. And the Oscar Nomination for TSN, seems like another life now after this. I have never cared for McBride in any movie. He seems so pre-occupied with talking about various body parts, I am fatigued by it all. It might be fun to try something new. If he's capable. I'm guessing not, but his checkbook is huge. But this movie must be spot on for who they want to see it, large crowds, and howling young adults.

30 Minutes Or Less. There's really nothing worth reviewing here. It is what it is. From my seat, a moment or two of guilty pleasure laughs, but mostly the same old tired formula that has become Hollywood's new comedy calling card. In a year, this will be completely forgotten.