The 4.30 Movie – REVIEW

As a film enthusiast who grew up in the ’80s and shares a similar background with Kevin Smith, I must say The 4.30 Movie is a nostalgic trip down memory lane that hits all the right notes. The story, set in suburban New Jersey, brings back memories of my own adolescence, complete with the local multiplex shenanigans and the endless pursuit of love in junior high school.

You’ve got to love writer–director Kevin Smith. Despite being 54 years old and having turned his lifestyle around having survived a widow maker heart attack (he includes a knowing line from his screen mum, ‘ You need bacon to build big strong hearts’) he still has fond memories of his teen years which he plunders to semi autobiographical effect in The 4.30 Movie.

In the 80s, Smith’s character transforms as Brian (played by Austin Zajur), a young student who has a crush on his classmate Melody (Siena Agudong). Over the phone, he nervously tries to arrange a date with her. Just like any teenager at that age, he is thrilled and almost can’t believe it when she consents.

In suburban New Jersey, there’s not much to keep one busy other than visiting the local cinema, managed by a tyrannical Mike, portrayed enthusiastically by Ken Cheung. This is the kind of role he excels in. The daily struggle for Brian and his pals, Belly (Reed Northup), a quirky nerd with a penchant for ginger mullets, and Bunny (Nicholas Cirillo), a self-assured, cocky character, involves sneaking into rated-R movies after paying for PG films. The moviegoing experience is enriched by Smith’s creation of his own fake trailers reminiscent of Tarantino/Rodriguez’s grindhouse double bill. These include the raunchy ‘Sister Sugar Walls’ and the terrifying ‘Booties’.

However, Brian’s plan with Melody is to watch the latest movie on its premiere day, and surprisingly, it’s his friend Bunny who eagerly offers him questionable advice. At such a stage, one might be inclined to accept any guidance in hopes of advancing further.

Smith has assembled a number of his familiar faces from previous projects for cameo appearances within his Clerks cast, including Jeff Anderson, Brian O’Halloran, his wife Jennifer Schwalbach, daughter Harley Quinn Smith, as well as Jason Mewes, Biggs, and Lee among others.

In a familiar, comfortable style that harks back to his earliest works such as Clerks, Smith’s 4:30 Movie features dialogue that dominates the scene, filled with lewd humor, contemplations on life lessons from films, Star Wars references, dreams of teenage slacker life, and aspirations. Yet, it also offers tender moments between the two leads and a nostalgic glimpse into the simpler, arguably happier times of the 1980s before social media took over. Smith’s ability to humorously and accurately portray his 1980s teenage years continues in this film, making it another entertaining addition to his distinctive body of work.

….and stay for a mid credit scene too!

Here’s The 4.30 Movie trailer….

The film titled “The 4:30 Movie” begins its theater run on September 13th, and it will become accessible on digital platforms starting October 21st, 2024.

2024-09-13 02:23

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