Rating: ★★★☆½ (3.5/5 Stars)
Released 09-13-2024
Watched 10-12-2024
Reviewed 12-12-2024
Rented from Apple TV+
Kevin Smith's The 4:30 Movie marks his return to the kind of personal, quirky storytelling that initially put him on the map. While it's his best film in a long time, it doesn't quite ascend to the heights of Clerks or Dogma, two films that cemented his place as a cult favorite. As a long-time fan of Smith’s work, having had the pleasure of meeting him at Comic-Con this year and listening to his hilarious Hall H speech, I came into this film with high hopes, and I’m happy to report that The 4:30 Movie delivers plenty of what I love about his style—though it still falls just shy of the brilliance of his earlier works.
Set in the microcosm of a struggling small-town movie theater, Smith brings authenticity to a setting he clearly knows well, drawing on his own experience as a theater owner. This adds a personal touch that gives the film a nostalgic heart, especially for cinephiles who appreciate the behind-the-scenes life of a movie theater. Smith's trademark humor and dialogue are present, but there’s also a sense of reflection on the changes in the film industry, and how audiences engage with movies today.
The cast, featuring regulars from Smith's View Askewniverse, delivers solid performances. The rapport between the characters feels like catching up with old friends, and the film’s meta-commentary on movies themselves is enjoyable. However, as much as I wanted to fall in love with the film entirely, it lacks the rewatchability that made Clerks such a cult classic. The pacing drags at times, and some jokes don't land as hard as they used to in his earlier works.
For Kevin Smith fans, though, this movie is a welcome return to his roots. It’s filled with heart, charm, and enough sharp wit to keep you invested. Yet, while I’m pleased to see Smith directing something so personal and grounded, I’m still waiting for a release that has the same lasting impact and rewatchability as Clerks—a movie I’ve watched hundreds of times and can still find something new to appreciate.
The 4:30 Movie is a strong, character-driven film that Smith fans will appreciate, but it doesn’t quite hit the highs that would elevate it to his top-tier work.
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