April 18, 2008
Movie review: 88 Minutes -"Tick Tock, Doc"
By Stan Dyer
Apparently, I am one of the few, but I liked this movie. I read some of the other reviews, and all the complaints were valid, but I suppose I just saw the movie as a whole, and saw it differently. Believe me, there are many complaints posted in many scathing reviews of this film. Maybe many people were sharing a bad mood that day, but, even if they were not, everyone is entitled to their own points of view, and here is mine. I think it is a well-done movie with an important message about crime, justice and too much faith in science.
The movie opens with a murder committed by the serial killer know as the "Seattle Slayer". Despite proclaiming his innocence, Jon Forster is accused and convicted of the murder largely on the testimony of Forensic Psychiatrist, Jack Gramm. As the jury renders its verdict, Forster furtively looks toward Gramm and whispers, "Tick Tock Doc", before heading off for death row. The movie jumps ahead nine years as the execution date for Forster looms, and he is trying to convince the public and the Governor that he is innocent and should have a stay of execution. Now comes the part of the movie most reviewers dislike because it takes up so much time.
Persons unknown inform Jack Gramm he has 88 minutes to live. Gramm is suspicious there might be a connection to Forster, but, at the same time, questions arise concerning Forster's innocence since similar murders continue to occur despite Forster's incarceration. Investigators want to know if Gramm believes Forster really is innocent, if another, real killer is still at large, or if there is a copycat killer. There is a lot of activity around Gramm including the deaths of people he had contact with, bomb threats, attacks by mysterious people, cars exploding, bullets fired, and all this happens to Gramm while continually being reminded that his 88 minutes are winding down. Tick Tock, Tick Tock. Gramm has just a short time to uncover the truth and save his life. While others believe this part is too convoluted, I enjoyed it because I was busily trying to put the pieces together on my own and solve the mystery. I failed, but I know the truth now, and, if you do not want me to reveal the spoiler, do not read the next paragraph.
As it turns out, the "88" minutes refers to the death of Gramm's sister. While working on another case, Gramm left his younger sister alone in an apartment. A suspect in that case broke in and tortured the girl for 88 minutes before killing her. The number is intended to psychologically torment Gramm. Using that number and continued reminders that the 88 minutes are winding down, Forster attempts to terrorized Gramm the way he terrorized his other victims before killing them. Forster, who is guilty, did quite a bit of research and work planning both to win his release and to frame Gramm at the same time. Using his charms, he already enticed Lauren Douglas, an attorney, to become a student of Gramm, take classes at the University from him, and win Gramm's trust. Douglas's real name is "Lydia Daugherty" and she helps Forster carry out his plan against Gramm from the inside. In the end, the scheme is uncovered, Daugherty dies, and Gramm lives beyond his allotted 88 minutes. We assume Forster's execution goes on as well.
The movie works for me. I can see how some people believe it goes on too long, but that 88 minutes kept ringing in my ears. Sure, the killer or killers had plenty of opportunity to get Gramm, but the whole point was to give him exactly 88 minutes and to terrorize him before killing him. Most of the movie is devoted to the terrorization of Gramm while we, the audience, are trying to solve the mystery. I also like the message of the movie that modern techniques, sciences and special tools neither eliminate anyone's vulnerability nor prevent the innocent from being convicted. I have always felt that courts do not decide guilt or innocence, but rather only "assign" it. This movie is on my side showing how knowledge can work both ways, but, hopefully, justice will win out more times than it fails.
I rate this movie an "A". If you like any of the crime investigation shows or any of the books, this movie will appeal to you. Sure, it could be better, but it is still good, and I like it. I am, however, concerned about the "R" rating. I saw nothing in the movie that offensive and the scenes of nudity were so brief most people will not even be able to recall them. Parents, if your 17 year-olds want to see this movie, take them. It does not warrant an "R" rating.
Title: 88 Minutes
Director: Jon Avnet
Genre: Crime Thriller, Run Time: 1 hour 48 minutes, Rating: R
Cast: Al Pacino as Dr. Jack Gramm, Neal McDonough as Jon Forster, Alicia Witt as Kim Cummings, LeeLee Sobieski as Lauren Douglas/Lydia Daugherty