Last night I watched 88 Minutes with Al Pacino. It was a stinker, possibly one of the worst movies I have ever seen.
The movie introduces so many suspects that the final reveal could have shown anyone, everyone (a la “Murder on the Orient Express”), our protagonist, or no one at all to be the killer – each would be equally implausible. Everyone is in full-on exposition mode at all times, dropping character names and backstory in a way that defies comprehension. The movie should have had multiple endings, which would have been a better gimmick than the tired “real-time” thriller (and yes, this means everyone talks on cell-phones constantly).
The movie has so many implausible twists, flashy cuts to inexcusably exploitative murders, space-age office buildings, and histrionics from the actors that viewers might be forgiven if they were too distracted to process what a complete dud this movie really is. Might be forgiven, that is, were it not for dialogue like this:
“It’s my job to be convincing” – Al Pacino as Dr. Gramm
“I remember you… you used to ask questions, challenge things – you had free will.” – Al Pacino to the killer
“Someone has penetrated my most secure area.” – Al Pacino
“Do you have any idea how absurd that sounds?” – Doubting Cop Character
The most tragic thing about the movie from my perspective was how close it came to attaining to “So bad, it’s good” status. But the movie wants to inhabit the same joyless world as movies like Se7en, a world where everyone you know could be a sadistic serial killer, and this completely prevents us from enjoying the hilarious incongruities the movie takes so damn seriously.