71 reviews
How significant can 57 seconds be...?
- paulclaassen
- Oct 24, 2023
- Permalink
One and done
One of those films that's not a bad watch if you can't find anything else.
Yeah, it has a bit of a stupid plot, but if you just look at it from the point of view of a bit of innocent sci-fi fun, then it's an OK watch to pass the time.
The script could have been more solid, it definitely felt rushed and like it could have used another draft or two.
Isn't really any rewatch value there for me, it's a one and done type film.
Just don't go into it expecting an avant-garde sci-fi masterpiece and take it for what it is. People are judging way too seriously in these reviews. It's not trying to be Oscar-worthy, it's just a breezy sci-fi thriller.
Yeah, it has a bit of a stupid plot, but if you just look at it from the point of view of a bit of innocent sci-fi fun, then it's an OK watch to pass the time.
The script could have been more solid, it definitely felt rushed and like it could have used another draft or two.
Isn't really any rewatch value there for me, it's a one and done type film.
Just don't go into it expecting an avant-garde sci-fi masterpiece and take it for what it is. People are judging way too seriously in these reviews. It's not trying to be Oscar-worthy, it's just a breezy sci-fi thriller.
A twist on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
This movie is alright, but derivative.
If you like the concept, but want to see a much better movie, check out "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, 2010".
The acting is much better, but I don't want to totally dismiss this film.
The concept is top drawer! Combining AI with a time device, would be a total game changer.
The AI would detect danger at a speed humans aren't capable of, then throw you back 57 seconds to avoid the danger, either manually or by the AI.
It's a genius concept, used a lot in the film, less the AI, he does everything manually.
I would recommend this film on the concept alone, however, it's a waste of Morgan Freeman's talent.
But hey, everybody can use an extra paycheck, LOL!
If you like the concept, but want to see a much better movie, check out "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, 2010".
The acting is much better, but I don't want to totally dismiss this film.
The concept is top drawer! Combining AI with a time device, would be a total game changer.
The AI would detect danger at a speed humans aren't capable of, then throw you back 57 seconds to avoid the danger, either manually or by the AI.
It's a genius concept, used a lot in the film, less the AI, he does everything manually.
I would recommend this film on the concept alone, however, it's a waste of Morgan Freeman's talent.
But hey, everybody can use an extra paycheck, LOL!
- fallonmassey
- Oct 1, 2023
- Permalink
"Your eyes are bigger than your stomach"
Wow. I'm mind-blown.
Do you know when you are watching a science fiction movie or any movie really and you have those moments of amazement thinking "Wow! I feel like I'm getting smarter after every scene!", "This is so well written!" "This is so ingenious!"? Well, unfortunately, the complete opposite just happened...
It's remarkable how the decision makers involved in this project were able to set up this big scope involving as characters apparently two of the worlds most influential beings, the tech genius entrepreneur! And the pharmaceutical giant!, with the MIT graduate 'chosen one'!, and the movie be so ridden by basically idiotic/childish decisions and set ups. Everything just feels relentlessly cheap. How contradictory.
How to suspend your disbelief when the movie is set within such a wealthy and high-stakes scenario but you have everything surrounding your production (except Morgan Freeman) being not up to par? It just makes no sense.
Next time just tune/humble the whole thing down so that you don't have to simplify every plot point because you don't have the budget or the technical team/energy to make it.
Do you know when you are watching a science fiction movie or any movie really and you have those moments of amazement thinking "Wow! I feel like I'm getting smarter after every scene!", "This is so well written!" "This is so ingenious!"? Well, unfortunately, the complete opposite just happened...
It's remarkable how the decision makers involved in this project were able to set up this big scope involving as characters apparently two of the worlds most influential beings, the tech genius entrepreneur! And the pharmaceutical giant!, with the MIT graduate 'chosen one'!, and the movie be so ridden by basically idiotic/childish decisions and set ups. Everything just feels relentlessly cheap. How contradictory.
How to suspend your disbelief when the movie is set within such a wealthy and high-stakes scenario but you have everything surrounding your production (except Morgan Freeman) being not up to par? It just makes no sense.
Next time just tune/humble the whole thing down so that you don't have to simplify every plot point because you don't have the budget or the technical team/energy to make it.
A 12 year old would have more sense than this protagonist
- ThatDoesntMatter
- Oct 2, 2023
- Permalink
Could have done better
While 57 Seconds had its fun moments, some cliche ideas let the movie down. It is not the best movie out there, but it is entertaining in it's own way and had the potential to have been better than what was released. Morgan Freeman is still a great actor that can make a bad movie look good with his topnotch acting. Josh Hutcherson did a great job too and I'll definitely love to see him in big budget movies. Nonetheless, 57 Seconds is a movie that contains a good dose of entertainment, a few laughing moment here and there and some solid acting. The story should have just been able to give us more.
How to get Morgan Freeman and still fail badly
I don't know how the team that made the movie managed to land Morgan Freeman on their lap. Whoever made that happen is the only genius on the team.
Everything else is absolutely dumb and/or low quality about this movie.
The main characters make the dumbest decisions possible. Their reasoning makes no sense.
From the cinematography perspective, it's just awful. Most outdoor scenes are way too contrasty with blown shadows. It's like they hired a team of first year art school students and put them in charge of lighting and the camera.
Audio is awful too. Many indoor scenes echo like crazy.
Zero attention to details.
Do not recommend.
3/10.
Everything else is absolutely dumb and/or low quality about this movie.
The main characters make the dumbest decisions possible. Their reasoning makes no sense.
From the cinematography perspective, it's just awful. Most outdoor scenes are way too contrasty with blown shadows. It's like they hired a team of first year art school students and put them in charge of lighting and the camera.
Audio is awful too. Many indoor scenes echo like crazy.
Zero attention to details.
Do not recommend.
3/10.
Enjoyable
Let's get this out of the way, this is not a blockbuster movie and there is nothing wrong with that.
If you are looking to watch an enjoyable film about time travel you'll be pleased.
The time travel element is actually perfectly done to avoid any typical cinema time travel complications. While a paradox does exist, you can easily ignore it and still enjoy the movie; if you even noticed it to begin with.
Morgan Freeman didn't need to be in the movie and is there to draw an audience (He was probably on screen for around 20 minutes, maybe). The character could have been played by anyone. The people that would watch this movie because Freeman is in it are probably not the audience who would enjoy the movie.
The runtime is short enough so it isn't a major commitment and there is enough suspense to keep you engaged.
I rated this a 7/10 because it is the minimum I would score a movie that I enjoyed watching even if I wouldn't watch it again.
The best part about the movie is that it has a beginning setup, a story, and an ending. The cherry on top was that they didn't leave it on a cliffhanger or a cut to black screen to keep you wondering (which I can't stand).
Please note that I am not overly critical of movies and my only requirement is that the movie is entertaining. In this regard, the film succeeded.
If you are looking to watch an enjoyable film about time travel you'll be pleased.
The time travel element is actually perfectly done to avoid any typical cinema time travel complications. While a paradox does exist, you can easily ignore it and still enjoy the movie; if you even noticed it to begin with.
Morgan Freeman didn't need to be in the movie and is there to draw an audience (He was probably on screen for around 20 minutes, maybe). The character could have been played by anyone. The people that would watch this movie because Freeman is in it are probably not the audience who would enjoy the movie.
The runtime is short enough so it isn't a major commitment and there is enough suspense to keep you engaged.
I rated this a 7/10 because it is the minimum I would score a movie that I enjoyed watching even if I wouldn't watch it again.
The best part about the movie is that it has a beginning setup, a story, and an ending. The cherry on top was that they didn't leave it on a cliffhanger or a cut to black screen to keep you wondering (which I can't stand).
Please note that I am not overly critical of movies and my only requirement is that the movie is entertaining. In this regard, the film succeeded.
If only it was 57 seconds long.
This film is just terrible. The premise is okay but the main character is poorly written. The way he acts and his motivations are that of a 12 year old. This is as bad as that lame Jason Momoa film "sweet girl" where every point they want to portray is so on the nose that it all ends up stinking. Although I couldn't make it beyond 20 minutes of that tripe, I did make it further on this one. This script really needed another 6 or 7 rewrites. Maybe this script was written by ChatGPT? No? Or maybe it needed to be? This could've been so much better if it had been properly script doctored but we will never know.
Ambitious
Considering 57 Seconds has limited budget but attracting some good actors, that said a lot. The story has a lot of possiblity and potential, but quite a limited budget.
However, the director played it safe and made the story as enjoyable as possible. Boy met idol; boy got time jump back ring; boy met girl; boy met villains; boy got corrupted; boy broke up with girl; boy destroy villain for revenge; boy got invited to join conglomeracy; boy chose to stay sane and poor.
To submit with Hollywood formula: boy is white; girl is black; Morgan Freeman is the rich angel; villain is white; villain 's sidekicks are multi racial; showcase consumerism to the max with sport cars-private jet-privilege lifestyle.
What can go wrong? Well, it makes 57 Seconds became an average B movie, with better special effects and cool rental vehicles. In short, an average action flick.
However, the director played it safe and made the story as enjoyable as possible. Boy met idol; boy got time jump back ring; boy met girl; boy met villains; boy got corrupted; boy broke up with girl; boy destroy villain for revenge; boy got invited to join conglomeracy; boy chose to stay sane and poor.
To submit with Hollywood formula: boy is white; girl is black; Morgan Freeman is the rich angel; villain is white; villain 's sidekicks are multi racial; showcase consumerism to the max with sport cars-private jet-privilege lifestyle.
What can go wrong? Well, it makes 57 Seconds became an average B movie, with better special effects and cool rental vehicles. In short, an average action flick.
- nightringer-76840
- Oct 8, 2023
- Permalink
Juvenile script and forgettable plot
Sure you have the legendary Morgan Freeman sandwiched in here at the beginning and end, but even he's a lost cause in this flick. Also all the action scenes are laughable. We've all seen movies with large fireball explosion where characters have to quickly run away, or instances where guns are pointed at someone's head, and times where someone gets knocked out, drugged or kidnapped.
I think the writers missed out on the element of flashback - perhaps show some scenes of Franklin's twin sister, so that we can unravel how close the siblings were and how her passing affected his life. Franklin really is a poor character because we can't tell if his heart is in the right place. He is labeled as heroic, but most of the time he uses the ring for personal gain (to gamble) and not for the greater good.
This film is neither bold nor intrepid, and Josh Hutchinson does the bare minimum here. I don't think he's cut out for an action thriller.
I think the writers missed out on the element of flashback - perhaps show some scenes of Franklin's twin sister, so that we can unravel how close the siblings were and how her passing affected his life. Franklin really is a poor character because we can't tell if his heart is in the right place. He is labeled as heroic, but most of the time he uses the ring for personal gain (to gamble) and not for the greater good.
This film is neither bold nor intrepid, and Josh Hutchinson does the bare minimum here. I don't think he's cut out for an action thriller.
- burgerman93
- Oct 1, 2023
- Permalink
Good Sci-Fi if you're into that
The low reviews are admit they didn't finish this movie. Silly.
It seems a lot only watched it because Morgan freeman is on the poster and then we're disappointed it's not Shawshank redemption
This is science fiction first and foremost, if you're not into sci-fi don't bother.
This thing isn't going to hand hold you through to the end explaining how ever nuance of tech details that simply don't matter.
The entire concept is around what one would do and how their life trajectory would shift if they stumble upon some future tech.
Anyone claiming they would have reacted differently is missing the entire point of the movie and likely didn't watch it to the end.
I cringe to think of the boring and mediocre story that would have taken place if the haters had been the ones to find the ring.
It seems a lot only watched it because Morgan freeman is on the poster and then we're disappointed it's not Shawshank redemption
This is science fiction first and foremost, if you're not into sci-fi don't bother.
This thing isn't going to hand hold you through to the end explaining how ever nuance of tech details that simply don't matter.
The entire concept is around what one would do and how their life trajectory would shift if they stumble upon some future tech.
Anyone claiming they would have reacted differently is missing the entire point of the movie and likely didn't watch it to the end.
I cringe to think of the boring and mediocre story that would have taken place if the haters had been the ones to find the ring.
- imdb-392-492467
- Nov 21, 2023
- Permalink
I was entertained
Josh Hutcherson and Morgan Freeman were great as always. The movie poster is misleading as Josh Hutcherson's character only holds a gun like one time, he's not a hitman or FBI agent.... Morgan Freeman's sidekick was weird and unexplained. I think they could have lost that character altogether. He seemed unnecessary to the plot and made the movie feel hokey from the beginning. Perhaps the script and editing could have been sharper. It feels like a small budget film that didn't save much for postproduction. All in all I was entertained. The actors are good and carried the movie. And it is always good to be reminded that big pharma is the bad guy. I would watch again.
- missmaddog
- Oct 5, 2023
- Permalink
WHO WROTE THE THIS SCRIPT???
- publicemaildump
- Sep 30, 2023
- Permalink
57 Seconds
Morgan why?
I didn't like anything about this picture save maybe the possible potential for the story line. There were really no redeeming features to this film that I could find at any point during the development of the story. The main characters portrayal of his stupidity was only exceeded by his bad acting in general. In fact none of the characters had any credibility at all throughout.
The last scene in the aircraft was really pathetic from all aspects of this production.
The director should definitely keep his day job. I'm not a Hollywood critic just someone who has over many decades discovered what is a good movie from a bad movie.
Especially when one of my favorite actors Mr Morgan Freeman is involved.
He is far too good an actor to have been associated with this production at all.
Why he would have taken on this project to begin with is mystery to me?
The last scene in the aircraft was really pathetic from all aspects of this production.
The director should definitely keep his day job. I'm not a Hollywood critic just someone who has over many decades discovered what is a good movie from a bad movie.
Especially when one of my favorite actors Mr Morgan Freeman is involved.
He is far too good an actor to have been associated with this production at all.
Why he would have taken on this project to begin with is mystery to me?
- keyscruzer
- Feb 9, 2024
- Permalink
OK Movie for a sunday afternoon
Ugh...
- jflor-01018
- Sep 30, 2023
- Permalink
Slow start that turns into a decent black mirror sci fi film
This was a nice surprise of a black mirror sci fi film that Freeman has a small role in that is enjoyable but the actor that is magnetic is the love interest girl Lovie Simone. She had great chemistry with the affable lead Josh and for a low budget b film it is solid entertainment and it makes for a fun Sunday flick
The concept of 57 sec is a bit bizarre and never really explained or explored but it's wonderful to finally see a character use it for gambling as that seems the most obvious to make quick cash like Nick Cage film Next which is a more enjoyable film.
A solid 6 even with odd 57 sec Time Machine.
The concept of 57 sec is a bit bizarre and never really explained or explored but it's wonderful to finally see a character use it for gambling as that seems the most obvious to make quick cash like Nick Cage film Next which is a more enjoyable film.
A solid 6 even with odd 57 sec Time Machine.
- filmtravel101
- Feb 4, 2024
- Permalink
Movie Making a Business?
This has to be the biggest inconceivable waste of money ever...I presume there is at least one professional amidst the team creating this movie that could see the total failings of this creation.
It really has no redeeming factors....script is so prescriptive and adolescent, acting is pass mediocrity. What are those involved in making this thinking of? Appreciate there was some investment to bring this to the big screen, why not do a advance screening and some peer feedback, if they were not interested in doing that even asking their friend what they thought would have highlighted it's absolute failings in terms of entertainment value.
Please can we stop destroying the movie industry by having this absolute nonsense being released.
It really has no redeeming factors....script is so prescriptive and adolescent, acting is pass mediocrity. What are those involved in making this thinking of? Appreciate there was some investment to bring this to the big screen, why not do a advance screening and some peer feedback, if they were not interested in doing that even asking their friend what they thought would have highlighted it's absolute failings in terms of entertainment value.
Please can we stop destroying the movie industry by having this absolute nonsense being released.
- mkmocallaghan
- Oct 13, 2023
- Permalink
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, based on the lower reviews.
Don't get me wrong, it's NOT winning any awards but I found it a fun watch right before going to bed (not too exciting - more on the relaxing side)
First, how can you not love Morgan Freeman? He's the GOAT! The storyline, while a bit slow, was decent. It's very relevant to today's climate with 2 big pharma companies competing for the future of their companies rather than the actual health of their patients (sound familiar?) 1 Company is trying to make life better with pills and the other is trying to do the same with technological gadget - saying he could CURE everything... society would never need pills again.
As you can imagine, these 2 companies were mortal enemies, mutually exclusive - 1 wins and 1 loses!!
And a reporter/blogger struggling to figure out which side he belongs on and how to do right by his gf/fiancee.
I'd recommend a watch when you're just looking for something to relax to. Maybe older kids (there are some 'easy' women in the movie several times - but not too much shown).
First, how can you not love Morgan Freeman? He's the GOAT! The storyline, while a bit slow, was decent. It's very relevant to today's climate with 2 big pharma companies competing for the future of their companies rather than the actual health of their patients (sound familiar?) 1 Company is trying to make life better with pills and the other is trying to do the same with technological gadget - saying he could CURE everything... society would never need pills again.
As you can imagine, these 2 companies were mortal enemies, mutually exclusive - 1 wins and 1 loses!!
And a reporter/blogger struggling to figure out which side he belongs on and how to do right by his gf/fiancee.
I'd recommend a watch when you're just looking for something to relax to. Maybe older kids (there are some 'easy' women in the movie several times - but not too much shown).
- gunn-wrights
- Dec 9, 2023
- Permalink
AN ABSOLUTE WASTE OF TIME!!!
This so-called movie is a complete time-waster. The ending is utterly ridiculous - picture a hijacked plane ready to take off with police cars at the airport, but instead of stopping it, they just stand there and let it fly away! That's how absurd this film is... The sheer lack of logical coherence and the apparent disregard for basic narrative credibility within this film are astounding, and one cannot help but lament the participation of a distinguished actor of Morgan Freeman's stature in this cinematic debacle!
After watching this movie, I only wish I had the same ring that could take me back to the start of the movie so that I could avoid wasting my time watching this stupid film.
After watching this movie, I only wish I had the same ring that could take me back to the start of the movie so that I could avoid wasting my time watching this stupid film.
An underrated movie that seems to take a lot from "Limitless" but in a faster paced/crazier way...
All in all give it a watch it does for sure give me vibes that it's taking off of other movies for sure but still is pretty good!!!
I watched the trailer to the movie due to morgan freeman being in here and all but found out instantly it was just like the movie "Limitless" and a few others so I of course was interested. The movie itself is pretty short and relatively fast pace but is still very enjoyable and from the under marketing, performance, and negative ratings, the movie is actually worth a watch!!! Now, it does have a little bit of ridiculous small plot holes and some unrealistic things, but after all it's a sci fi movie and isn't as bad as the reviews show at all!!! I would actually say it is on par with Limitless to be honest because I much prefer the lighting in here which is better done, but there isn't really any good cinematography or arts and colors and all in here which it sort of lacks which is why I felt it didn't do as good but it doesn't ruin the whole thing and isn't a movie that drags on for over 2hrs haha.
I watched the trailer to the movie due to morgan freeman being in here and all but found out instantly it was just like the movie "Limitless" and a few others so I of course was interested. The movie itself is pretty short and relatively fast pace but is still very enjoyable and from the under marketing, performance, and negative ratings, the movie is actually worth a watch!!! Now, it does have a little bit of ridiculous small plot holes and some unrealistic things, but after all it's a sci fi movie and isn't as bad as the reviews show at all!!! I would actually say it is on par with Limitless to be honest because I much prefer the lighting in here which is better done, but there isn't really any good cinematography or arts and colors and all in here which it sort of lacks which is why I felt it didn't do as good but it doesn't ruin the whole thing and isn't a movie that drags on for over 2hrs haha.
- frenchfrancesco
- Sep 30, 2023
- Permalink
Entertaining
This one surprised me! Didn't know if it would deliver, but it's a very cool concept and I'm a big Morgan Freeman fan. Not so much a fan of the Hunger Games kid Josh Hutcherson, but he actually does a pretty good job in this. Actually most of the cast was good. Morgan Freeman is likely not to be around for too much longer, but glad he's still working and showing up in movies. So many people on here bash a move hardcore, I suppose because it's not a big studio pic, but 57 SECONDS is intense in places, entertaining and fun; clearly not a huge budget and also not an Oscar winner, but a good movie.
- toddo-74809
- Oct 6, 2023
- Permalink
It just irritated me 57seconds about 57 times.
This movie is in the future while the mindset of the main character is of the past. In their world don't they have movies? They possibly do right? And for sure they could've seen such movies like this. Do you see where I'm going? And with this, the main character seems to have a very low IQ which somehow contradicts with his Profession. I believe this could've been done better. The acting of the characters are good but thinking back of when I watched it still irritates me and i wasn't even past halfway. This really was a blow since I love watching Morgan Freeman. It irritates me for about 57 seconds while writing this review.
- jepxxxgamingmain
- Oct 4, 2023
- Permalink