: The ’90s Thriller That Inspired

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2025 seems to be the perfect moment for me to unveil an exhilarating adventure that leaves us spellbound. Based on the rave reviews from critics about Drop, I have high hopes that Christopher Landon’s new project will perfectly match this description.

Instead of discussing Meghann Fahy’s terrible date, which you might have already seen, let me share with you a ’90s movie I adore. This film, in my opinion, is a gem within an underappreciated subgenre and sparked my passion for it.

Instead of chatting about Meghann Fahy’s bad date (which you may have already watched), let me tell you about one of my favorite ’90s movies that I think is great, especially because it introduced me to an underappreciated movie subgenre.

Johnny Depp’s Nick Of Time Walked So That Real Time Thrillers Could Drop

In 1995, the film “Nick of Time” featuring Johnny Depp was released, and for young Mike, it served as an astonishing revelation, even though it might not have been the first real-time thriller. The plot is incredibly straightforward: Gene Watson, played by Depp, is presented with a life-altering choice – either assassinate a California gubernatorial candidate or risk losing his young daughter’s life.

The brilliance of director John Badham lies in his ability to pack an entire story into a 90-minute movie, unfolding in real time within a single location. Moreover, the thriller “Nick of Time” features Johnny Depp undergoing intense torment at the hands of Christopher Walken, portraying the film’s antagonist, Mr. Smith. In one of his more reserved roles, it is Walken who unleashes his wild side in “Nick of Time,” relishing every moment of it.

At a hotel serving as the venue for this high-stakes rally, events take an intricate course. Gene, finding himself in a series of challenges, often gets outsmarted by Mr. Smith. The narrative builds suspensefully, culminating in a climactic moment when time runs out. It’s engaging, it’s thrilling, and as director Christopher Landon of ‘Drop’ has explained, it possesses the essential elements that any real-time thriller should have to be successful.

Even Christopher Landon Recognized Nick Of Time’s Game When Making Drop

At BlumFest 2024, I had an enjoyable conversation with Mr. Landon during Drop’s trailer unveiling. Incidentally, our paths crossed at a press line for New York Comic Con. Upon meeting him, I shared that the movie “Nick of Time” was the first film that popped into my mind upon encountering Violet (Meghann Fahy) and her harrowing predicament.

In my recollection of his response during the trailer for “Drop,” it was clear that he felt nothing but pure delight. He appreciated the script penned by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, commending its simple yet captivating concept, as well as its focus on character development. This project resonated deeply with him, and now, I find similarities between his sentiments and those towards “Nick of Time.” These shared aspects have created a strong connection in both heart and mind.

Although “Nick of Time” didn’t make my list of 32 exceptional films under 90 minutes, it shares the same concise storytelling characteristic typical of movies within this genre. As for its character-focused aspect, following Johnny Depp’s character Gene Watson on a journey where he encounters both allies and adversaries creates a thrilling experience. The uncertainty of who to rely upon makes planning challenging, particularly in a scenario where time truly is an enemy.

In terms of the “clean premise,” author Patrick Sheane Duncan truly tests his main character’s limits. By setting the story in a single location, focusing solely on one protagonist, and confining the timeline, he creates an atmosphere where every moment ticks by with heightened intensity in the novel “Nick of Time.

From my perspective as a movie enthusiast, watching “Nick of Time” has propelled me towards similar gripping films such as “Phone Booth” and the series “24,” both boasting Kiefer Sutherland, the undisputed master of real-time thrillers. I’ve built up quite the anticipation for this film, and I’m delighted to inform you that you can now stream it free on Pluto TV, or rent it digitally if that suits your preference better. Regardless of your choice, if you’re tuned in to my recommendations, I strongly urge you not to miss out on this cult classic gem.

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2025-04-15 00:07