The new film “57 Seconds” perfectly reflects the problem of today's Hollywood – namely, the irresistible desire of directors and screenwriters to shove their beloved selves onto the big screen. First, representation, all that. Second, they can't portray anyone but themselves anyway. But what conclusions can be drawn when the main character of the film is not exactly bright?

Brief Synopsis

In the not-too-distant and uncertain future, blogger Franklin Fox (Josh Hutcherson) has a very interesting specialty – he writes about medical technology. At the presentation of a new breakthrough in commercial healthcare achievements, he saves the genius inventor Anton Burrell (Morgan Freeman) from an assassination attempt.

Unexpectedly, he gets his hands on an unknown invention of Anton's – a ring that can transport its wearer 57 seconds back in time. This gives Franklin the opportunity not only to improve his personal life and financial situation, but also to take revenge on another tycoon (Greg Germann) for his sister's death.

Rewind, anyone?

What is “57 Seconds” essentially? It's a strange mix of the film “Next” with Nicolas Cage and “Groundhog Day” (or “Palm Springs”). If from the former it takes the very concept of the protagonist having control over time for a very limited period, from the latter it tries to adopt moral lessons.

Roman Kovalev

“Groundhog Day” for Millennials. Review of the film “Palm Springs”

“Palm Springs” is another benefit performance by Andy Samberg and just a good movie with a time loop.

Open material

It's worth noting that the film is best revealed in small scenes that try to make full use of its key mechanic of controlling the nearest 57 seconds. Especially good is the scene where the hero needs to find out some information, so he tries again. And again. And again. This is definitely the best scene, showing all the lost potential.

Who is the main character of “57 Seconds”

And somewhere around here we run into the fact that, even if the concept wasn't original, it could definitely have been worked with. But for me personally, my interest in the project gradually waned as I increasingly realized that the main character Franklin is simply an insufferable fool.

It got to the point where I involuntarily screamed at the screen: “No, please, don't do that, you idiot!” And that's exactly what Franklin did. Honestly, things were worse than in some teen slashers.

Here you need to understand that there is a difference between mistakes that are interesting to watch and plain stupidity. Because a good screenwriter knows how to motivate unfortunate mistakes or illogical actions with interesting plot twists or a certain character motivation.

And what about Franklin? Franklin uses the power of 57 seconds in the most banal way, while getting into situations that an adult with his experience simply has no right to get into. Even in the aforementioned film “Next,” Cage's character, using his gift in much the same way as Franklin, explains to the audience in advance through the fourth wall what basic safety measures he takes.

And that very event that allows Franklin to get closer to his sworn enemy is done so clumsily and stupidly that no sane person would ever find themselves in such a situation, also putting his beloved girlfriend (Lovie Simone) at risk.

By the end, I simply had no moral strength left to worry about him. Honestly, at some point I even started wishing he would finally get killed as divine punishment.

I'll add how annoying the voiceover was, treating us viewers like fools. Like, the audience won't understand what just happened, so let's chew it all up for you in detail. Without the voiceover, it would have been much better, by the way.

And the ending. The ending of “57 Seconds” is a match for Franklin. Pseudo-intellectual, but not open to the slightest criticism if you try to think about it for more than two minutes.

Entertainment Movie for One Evening

However, I don't want to only criticize the film. There are things to praise it for.

It's a decent entertainment movie – that says it all. The film isn't too drawn out to become boring, and something is constantly happening. It has interesting ideas and even some good acting performances – I personally liked Bevin Bru as a rather amusing assistant to the main villain.

However, I wanted to see something more in it – especially considering its attempts to deliver pompous speeches about morality and ethics. Alas, it didn't work out.

P.S. I saw that the director and co-writer, Rusty Cundieff, was previously one of the directors of “Movie 43.” So, do with that information what you will.