Cast
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Jesse Eisenberg
as Nick Davis
Aziz Ansari
as Chet Flanning
Danny McBride
as Dwayne Mikowlski
Nick Swardson
as Travis Cord
Dilshad Vadsaria
as Kate Flanning
Michael Peña
as Chango
Bianca Kajlich
as Juicy
Fred Ward
as The Major
Lucas Fleischer
as Random Local
Brett Gelman
as Pizza Boss
Elizabeth Shapiro
as Chet's Date
Rebecca Cox
as Sandra
Rick Irwin
as Bank Manager
Ilyssa Fradin
as Mom
Staci Lynn Fletcher
as Family Dollar Cashier
Crew
Director
- Ruben Fleischer
Producer
- Stuart Cornfeld
- Ben Stiller
- Jeremy Kramer
Reviews
DanDare
Crude, foul mouthed comedy that is not very funny and a plot that is nonsense.
This would had been a better and funnier film if more care had been taken with the script. Otherwise this is a film aimed at stoners and slackers.
Dwayne (Danny McBride) wants to open a massage parlour but needs to get hold of his dad's money who once won the lottery so he hires a hitman to kill him.
To pay the hitman Dwayne kidnaps a pizza delivery boy Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) pus a vest with a time and a bomb on him instructs him to rob a bank and steal the $100,000.
Nick gets his best friend Chet (Aziz Ansari) to help him rob a bank but getting the money to Dwayne is not easy who is planning to double cross him.
Apr 18, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Comedy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, 30 Minutes or Less distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Ruben Fleischer brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of 30 Minutes or Less took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $28.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While 30 Minutes or Less shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike On Her Majesty's Secret Service, which focuses more on action than character development, 30 Minutes or Less subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban explore similar territory, 30 Minutes or Less stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 11, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 23m
- Budget: $28,000,000
- Revenue: $40,500,000
Where to Watch
