The 4:30 Movie
review by Bobby Blakey
Throughout his career Kevin Smith has taken some swings to the fences with his film choices but love them or hate them you have to respect the fact he did what he wanted to do. I love Smith’s films and will always be right in the theater seat waiting to see anything he does. His latest film, The 4:30 Movie features a great cast of both new and old school members of the view askew-verse including Austin Zajur, Nicholas Cirillo, Reed Northrup, Siena Agudong, Betty Aberlin, Diedrich Bader, Jason Biggs, Rosario Dawson, Rachel Dratch, Ralph Garman, Jason Lee, Logic, Justin Long, Jason Mewes, Kate Micucci, Jenny Mollen, Adam Pally, Sam Richardson, Genesis Rodriguez, Jennifer Schwalbach, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Harley Quinn Smith and Ken Jeong.
The 4:30 Movie follows three sixteen-year-old friends who spend their Saturdays sneaking into movies at the local cineplex in the summer of 1986. When one of the guys invites the girl of his dreams to see an R-rated film, all hilarity breaks loose, as a self-important theater manager and teen rivalries interfere with his best-laid plans.
As a lifelong Smith fan, I am always eager to see what he does next but have to admit with this one it never really pulled me in at first. Despite that I was still excited to see what he had to say with this project, and I am so glad I listened. This is easily one of Smith’s best films in years thanks to the personal journey, great young cast and nostalgia spewing off screen at every corner.
The film is semi-autobiographical, but never feels like we are just getting Smith trying to spew his own life at us. Instead, it is not only bringing the youth of the 80s to the forefront, but the love of movies, the rom-com genre
and friendship all wrapped up in a familiar genre with its own voice. I loved that this new young cast weren’t the usual faces we get in most of Smith’s films. Sure, there are plenty of those people that weave in and out in some hilarious and fun cameos, but this is these young people’s film all the way.
Everyone in the cast is fantastic and all seem to be having a great time, but the reality is that it’s Austin Zajur’s shoulders that bear the most weight. Make no mistake everyone here gets their time to shine and are the reason it works, but Zajur’s innocent, sensitive and likable persona keeps you invested and rooting for his chance at love. Coupled with great performances from Nicolas Crillo and Reed Northrup you have a trio that are a blast to watch and will no doubt remind people of their own crazed bunch of buds.
While Siena Agudong isn’t given as much to do, she plays a pivotal role and is the perfect casting for the story and blends right into the 80s vibe all around. You cannot help but love her right out the gate and can’t wait to see these two connect. Her chemistry with Zajur is excellent with her confidence the perfect strength to counter his lack of. The always funny Ken Jeong is out of his mind in this role and great fun to watch while hating the guy in every way.
The backdrop of the theater not only brings familiar ground to us kids of the 80s, but also allows Smith to play with some new creations offering some fun trailers that are all hilarious. This also allows him to not take away from the main story and let the 80s rom com fun play out. My personal favorite moments in the film feature his real-life daughter Harley Quinn Smith and Justin Long both bringing some ridiculousness to the screen.
As much as I love all his films (yes even the ones that may not always work) this one might not only be in my top three of his filmography, but also one I will be putting in rotation to watch on a regular basis like Clerks and Dogma.
In addition to the film, this release offers up bonus content including commentary, trailer and behind the scenes featurette. Step back into the 80s and grab your copy of The 4:30 Movie available now on digital, Blu-ray and DVD and then on 4K+Blu-ray+digital Steelbook on November 5th from Lionsgate.