Movie Review: Al Pacino stars in "88 Minutes" (2008)

Tweet

Critics savaged “88 Minutes” upon its theatrical release and came down especially hard on star Al Pacino. “At the Movies with Ebert and Roeper” (remember that show?) named “88 Minutes” as one of the worst movies of the first half of 2008. Critics seemed incensed the then 68-year-old Pacino accepted a poor script and walked through the role just for a paycheck. What critics tend to forget are most produced movies are mediocre or have bad scripts and all actors even the great ones make them. The vast majority of acting jobs are performed solely for a paycheck not “art” and a sleepwalking Pacino is still superior acting. Pacino uses such paychecks to finance personal projects and stage productions. Why critical response was so universally brutal is a mystery because “88 Minutes” is not as awful as anticipated. The movie is certainly not a memorable title on Pacino’s resume but is an entertaining and competently made picture good enough to pass some time with while paying half attention. Perhaps the complex and difficult to figure out plot stymied critics whose intellects cannot handle anything unless an incomprehensible low budget independent or hit you over the head political content. Critics also prefer over-the-top histrionic hammy Pacino performances (see “Scent of a Woman”) whereas here Pacino delivers a controlled performance as consulting FBI forensic psychiatrist Dr. Gramm. Based in Seattle, Gramm teaches at a university and while a caring person, he has isolated himself behind alcohol and women, stringent security phobia and allowing no close personal relationships. There is a torturous secret in his past. A series of murders are happening that appear to be exactly like those committed by Forster, a serial killer put on death row by Gramm’s testimony. Now dispersions have been cast on that testimony and suspicions of Gramm begin with Forster publicly calling Gramm a liar in his bid for a stay of execution. Gramm receives a cryptic phone call informing he has 88 minutes to live and the race against time is on as events escalate. Everyone is made to appear suspicious via actions, comments and expressions. There are his students played by Alicia Witt, Ben McKenzie and Leelee Sobieski and university head Deborah Kara Unger. A mysterious motorcyclist is following Gramm. Perhaps Gramm’s devoted assistant Amy Brenneman is not so loyal after all. Doubts concerning Gramm himself are cast. “88 Minutes” is routine with a few farfetched elements and presents no profound social relevance. The history of the American cinema filled with movies such as “88 Minutes” whose only purpose is to distract audiences from reality for a little while. Critics love sitting through hours of boring joyless grim tedium because it is “important.” The movie was directed by Jon Avnet who is primarily known as a producer and occasional director whose best known movie is “Fried Green Tomatoes.” Like almost all movies, “88 Minutes” was never worth paying to see in a theater but makes for okay cable, streaming or DVD viewing.