88 Minutes (2008)

Apr.11, 2008 by Reid in Previews: DVD, Videos

Directed by:
Jon Avnet

MPAA Rating: R for disturbing violent content, brief nudity and language
Theatrical Release: April 18, 2008
DVD Release: September 16, 2008
Runtime: 108 min.

Synopsis:

Dr Jack Gramm (Pacino) is a college professor who moonlights as a forensics psychiatrist for the FBI. When Gramm receives a death threat claiming he has only 88 minutes to live, he must use all his skills and training to narrow down the possible suspects, who include a disgruntled former student, a jilted former lover, and a serial killer who is already on death row, before his time runs out.

Our Thoughts:

It seems like 2008 is turning into a good year for fans of Al Pacino. Not only is his long-awaited on-screen reteaming with Robert De Niro, Righteous Kill (2008), hitting theaters in September, he’s also got himself involved with 88 Minutes, a thriller set in real-time.

While “24″ has really upped the ante recently for real-time antics on the TV screen, we haven’t seen a good real-time film since Depp’s Nick Of Time (1995), so 88 Minutes should be a welcome addition to the genre.

While Robert De Niro has made some odd film choices recently (including portraying a gay pirate in Stardust (2007)), with 88 Minutes, Pacino sticks with the tried-and-true.

Still, tried-and-true doesn’t mean boring, and 88 Minutes looks to be another worthwhile vehicle for Pacino’s talents. Whether it turns out that way remains to be seen, but at the very least, it should satisfy the Pacino craving until Righteous Kill (2008) hits theaters in September.