Awkward Teens, Big Dreams, and ’80s Screens

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MOVIE REVIEW
The 4:30 Movie
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Kevin Smith
Writer(s): Kevin Smith
Cast: Siena Agudong, Austin Zajur, Nicholas Cirillo, Reed Northrup, Ken Jeong, Sam Richardson, Genesis Rodriguez, Justin Long, Jason Lee, Rachel Dratch, Kate Micucci, Adam Pally, Harley Quinn Smith, Method Man, Logic, Jason Mewes, Jeff Anderson, Rosario Dawson, Jason Biggs, Betty Aberlin
Where To Watch: Amazon-exclusive 4K + Blu-ray + Digital SteelBook available November 5, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE 4:30 MOVIE hits the rewind button, yanking us back to 1986 with a rad, tubular tribute that goes beyond aesthetics to tap into the heart and soul of teenage life. Writer, director, and auteur Kevin Smith cranks up the nostalgia but keeps it honest by focusing on the authentic thrills and spills of young love, all unfolding in the charmingly bygone confines of a small-town movie theater. This isn't just a blast from the past; it's a full-on nostalgia session that brings back the raw, unpolished adventures of growing up.

Right from the start, THE 4:30 MOVIE hits with a storyline of Brian David’s (Austin Zajur) quest to win over Melody Barnegat (Siena Agudong.) The film serves up a hearty slice of life from when the most significant worries involved sneaking into R-rated flicks and figuring out the dating game. Zajur as Brian and Agudong as Melody brings to the screen a chemistry that's off the hook, capturing the innocence and angst of first love with an authenticity that anyone who’s ever been awkward around their crush can relate to.

The theater plays its role as the backdrop where all the drama and comedy unfolds. As the iron-fisted theater manager Mike, Ken Jeong channels a vibe that's part comic relief and part antagonist, turning every attempt by Brian and his buddies to sneak past him into a significant achievement. The story weaves these threads together smoothly, keeping the pace tight without feeling rushed.

The dialogue? It's fresh, filled with zingers and quips that deliver the laughs without missing a beat on the emotional front. Smith’s script dodges the clichéd bullet, making each line feel like a throwback to those good old days of mixtapes and mall bangs without laying it on too thick. Adam Pally’s “Emo Usher” nails the 80s vibe, doling out wisdom with sarcasm.

Bear McCreary's score is like the cherry on this retro sundae. The vibe is a mix of synth and sensitivity, echoing the beats of a decade known for its bold style and even bolder music. Opting out of the typical throwback tracks for original scores, McCreary gives THE 4:30 MOVIE its unique sound that’s as memorable as the film itself.

Narratively, Smith keeps it light, letting the story breathe and build naturally. This is critical in making THE 4:30 MOVIE resonate with anyone who’s ever been caught up in the crazy whirlwind of growing up. It’s an honest look back at those formative years, filled with all the laughter and heartbreak that come with coming of age.

THE 4:30 MOVIE doesn’t just set the scene; it lets us live it, delivering a viewing experience that’s both a party and a poignant peek into the past. For those who lived through the 80s, it’s a reminder of simpler times. For everyone else, it’s a ticket to what the fuss was all about. Either way, Kevin Smith has penned a love letter to the era that’s sure to hit home.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Kevin Smith
Going Home Again: Making The 4:30 Movie
Theatrical Trailer

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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