88 Minutes [DVD]

By Clint Morris

There’s one thing I thought I’d never see: Al Pacino in a “Saw” sequel. Now, I’m not so sure.

The question most people will ask after watching Jon Avent’s new film “88 Minutes” will have nothing do with the plot, or a character’s motivation, and it’s unlikely it’ll be a question about what part of Canada it was filmed in – nope, the only question likely to be asked is ‘What the HELL is Al Pacino doing in this?!’

It has to be said.

The man must have had a gun to his head. Why else would one of today’s most treasured acting legends succumb to such B-grade nonsense?

Sure, Pacino’s had some lesser moments – like “Simone” and “The Devil’s Advocate” – but at least you can get a sense of why Pacino did those movies; this makes no sense at all. There must have been some major debts to pay off at the Pacino household this month.

“88 minutes” is essentially a no-frills serial killer caper, with the production values of a Jenna Jameson movie, and a supporting cast – including former “OC” star Benjamin McKenzie and “Cybill” co-star Alicia Witt – direct from TV re-run land. And Pacino, though he’s obviously trying his best, looks as bored as batshit.

Based on a script by “K-911” (!) scribe Gary Scott Thompson, the film sees Pacino play a 60-something college professor whose roped into a game of cat-and-mouse with a serial killer. On the eve of a murderer’s (who Pacino’s character put behind bard) execution, he receives a phone call telling him that he has only eighty-eight minutes of life. Ironically, a series of killings are rocking the town at the same time – seemingly a series of slayings inspired by the man about to be executed.

Take “24”, add a splash of “Nick of Time” and then extract the uniqueness from both of them and you get “88 Minutes” – a very dull and cliché ridden exercise in average moviemaking that’s biggest crime is under using the Godfather of modern-day cinema.

Must’ve made him an offer he couldn’t refuse?

Extras

Interviews, an audio commentary by Avnet, and an alternate ending. None of the bonuses are especially worth bothering with.