"88 Minutes" refers to the amount of time that Dr. Jack Gramm (Al Pacino), a serial-killer-profiler, has to live. Dr. Gramm finds this out when he answers his phone and is told just that, by an altered robotic voice, who adds "Tick-tock". This scene is repeated over and over as the time dwindles. Presumably the writer and director are trying to create a catchphrase a la "Do ya feel lucky, punk?" I don't think it's going to happen.
Because Dr. Gramm is a renowned expert in solving serial killer cases, he handles it himself without even involving law enforcement at any reasonable level. Why he chooses this course of action is never explained so let's go with he's a real man who doesn't need any help. Never mind that he ain't exactly a spry young colt.
I am not certain that I have ever seen a movie with more red herrings than "88 Minutes". After Dr. Gramm is informed of his imminent demise, he suspects everyone he knows of being his future killer. This includes all of his students, friends and business associates and almost every single human that passes into his sightlines on the screen. Despite this paranoia he maintains some semblance of sanity. After 30 or 40 suspects are paraded by us we don't really care who the bad guy is. We just want them to do the deed, or die trying. Any doubt among you about which way this predictable deal will turn out? Here's a hint on who the villain is: Check the credits.
Al Pacino lends a slight air of credibility because he can flat-out act. Even in something as inane as this, he churns out a very professional performance. In the hands of a lesser talent it is hard to imagine "88 Minutes" ever making it to anything other than DVD. I don't know if this means we should thank Al or damn him for giving it the chance to make it your local megaplex.
"88 Minutes" reminded me a bit of "Nick of Time". In that 1995 film, featuring Johnny Depp, the lead character is faced with a similar situation. He must kill the Governor of California, or his own daughter will be killed by those who kidnapped her. He gets a full 90 minutes to accomplish his seemingly absurd task but it actually holds our attention. I guess we should be thankful that we only have 88 minutes this time around because it may have shortened this nonsense by two minutes.
