'30 minutes or Less' a fun 90 minutes

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - "30 Minute or Less" moves along with a brisk, fun, action pace that should have all appropriate audiences enjoying themselves. There’s an abundant cleverness to this movie that keeps it above much of raunchiness just below the surface. The early story lines of the main four characters are all tied closely together, giving audiences a through-line to follow and stay engaged in the development of these characters over the course of a story that clocks in just short of 90 minutes.

“30 Minutes or Less” is a well-written and well-acted good story that’s well directed with a perfect blend of comedy and action, good cinematography and editing and an equally solid soundtrack.

While the action is probably well known from the trailers, the chemistry of the two pairs of main characters ( Jesse Eisenberg’s ”Nick” and Aziz Ansari’s “Chet” plus Danny McBride’s “Dwayne” and Nick Swardson’s “Travis”) makes this a fun buddy comedy like the good ol’ buddy comedy movies of the 1980′s.

The production completely embraces the fact that this movie is made and set in Grand Rapids - while they are not GRPD cruisers during the chase scene down Divison Avenue, the police cars say “Grand Rapids police."

Chet pokes fun at the perceived lack of diversity: “There’s only four Indian families in Grand Rapids," while Nick makes reference to the fact that Grand Rapids doesn’t even have a Radisson (though in reality, we do have one downtown.)

There are lots of camera shots and movements that showcase Grand Rapids, but also try to make it feel like a much smaller town than it really is.

Not only is “30 Minutes or Less” an action comedy for R-rated tolerant audiences to see, but it's even more of a treat for West Michigan residents.

DON’T SAY I DIDN’T WARN YOU -- this is not for younger audiences or viewers easily offended by raunchy humor and/or adult content. If you see this movie and then complain about the R-rated humor, situations, references, or innuendos, don’t blame this reviewer. This movie is not for all ages or all moviegoers.

LAFF RATING: 8 out of 10

"30 Minutes or Less" opens nationwide and internationally Friday.

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