Watch Running Time
- 1997
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6.8 (1,784)
Running Time is a crime thriller film from 1997 which revolves around what happens to Carl (Bruce Campbell) after he gets released from jail. Carl is itching to get his life back on track after serving five years in prison, and his one goal is to reunite with his girlfriend (Anita Barone), who happens to be a stripper. The film is shot to look as if it is one long continuous take, giving it a real-time feel. We first meet Carl as he is released from prison, and he is picked up by his friend, Patrick (Jeremy Roberts), a private investigator who was also Carl's former cellmate.
Patrick tells Carl that he owes him a debt, and that he has a job for him. The job is to rob a Los Angeles bank, and to get in and out within 20 minutes. Carl initially refuses, but the idea of the money and the chance to get his life back on track soon change his mind. The rest of the movie follows Carl as he carries out the heist, along with Patrick and their criminal team.
As the story progresses, we get flashbacks of Carl's time in jail and the events that led to his imprisonment. We also see how deeply he loves his girlfriend, and how he is willing to do anything for her. The tension builds up as they try and make their way into the bank unnoticed, and as they try to outsmart the security system.
Another thing that makes Running Time unique is its take on loyalty and the lengths one would go for the right reasons. Carl and Patrick's relationship is tested as they are forced to deal with various obstacles during their heist. The two are former cellmates who became friends, but as they begin to execute their plan, the dynamic changes.
There is also an underlying theme of redemption throughout the movie. When Carl is released from jail, he wants nothing more than to start over and forget his past. However, his choices lead him down a dangerous path, one where he ultimately has to face the consequences of his actions.
The film's one-shot style is also its downside, as it can make the viewer feel a bit seasick at times. Since the camera doesn't cut away, some scenes can be disorientating or dizzying. That being said, it does create a sense of immediacy and allows the audience to feel as though they are right there alongside the characters.
The actors do a fantastic job, and Campbell, in particular, shines in his role as Carl. He is charismatic and believable, and his performance adds a layer of complexity to Carl's character. Although the movie only runs for 70 minutes, it packs in a lot of action and suspense, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat until the very end.
Overall, Running Time is an entertaining and visually interesting film. Its real-time style and exploration of relationships and loyalty make it stand out from other crime thrillers. It's definitely worth watching, and although it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it has its own charm and is a solid entry into the genre.
Running Time is a 1997 crime movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.