A powerful, captivating, thrilling, jaw dropper, the exciting film Good Time showcases a fine performance by Robert Pattinson and a creative script by Roland Bronstein and Josh Safdie. The crime story works its way into your head as Patterson’s protagonist finds himself caught up in a paradox created by wrong decisions. Decisions that will decide the fate of himself and his mentally challenged brother. It’s a hypnotic non-stop adrenaline rush from start to finish.
Pulling his brother Nick (Benny Safdie) out of therapy for a mental disorder, Connie (Robert Pattinson) gears him up for a bank robbery. Not long after leaving the bank however, things start going wrong leading to the arrest of Nick. In jail among the hardened criminals, Nick starts to come apart psychologically. In the meantime Connie goes out looking for the money to bail out his brother. When he finds the going rough, he starts to lean toward more drastic measures.
Directors Benny and Josh Safdie take their audience on a fast paced human interest spree from the moment we meet the two protagonists till it all comes to a head in the finale. The characters are genuine and both likable and compelling as they rebel against what life has handed them. While the decision making may be downright criminal intent, it’s the brotherly love that keeps you glued to the screen wanting a good outcome. Violent as the passages may be, you can still see the brotherly love coming through.
The Safdie brothers have not made many films, but those that have hit the big screen have been winners. This is how I see Good Time going: I believe the film is headed for some year end recognition in several categories including best actor and supporting. Robert Pattinson gives a brilliant performance as the New York City hood who only wants the best for his mentally disturbed brother. It’s the perfect role to help fade the many years tied down with a teen career starting with Harry Potter and moving in with the Twilight franchise that lasted through 2012.
As a director and actor Benny Safdie puts his ability full throttle as a mentally challenged man lost in the mire of New York City’s wasteland. He’s under the roof of Connie, but still in the watchful eye of the welfare department forcing him to see a shrink for his mental disease. Leary of his Dr. Peter (Peter Verby), he’ll do anything his brother asks to not have to continue the office visits. Safdie puts on a touching and compelling show as the pawn in Connie’s plan and then breaks down when put in a cell with several mean thugs.
The cinematography can also be considered for honors as it becomes an important element in the success of the film. Shots from all angles leading to close-ups showing the angst of Connie and Nick as they move throughout the harrowing ordeal are cringing and heartbreaking. The facial expressions tell the story in a way it’s not easy to forget, and you won’t long after you’ve left the theater.
Good Time has been rated R by the MPAA and contains sex, drug use, violence, and abusive language. Not for the timid or squeamish, the film should be watched by responsible adults.
FINAL ANAYLSIS: A very good movie filled with hypnotic non-stop action.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Buddy Duress, Taliah Webster, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Peter Verby, Barkhad Abdi, Gladys Mathon, Necro.
Directed by: Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie
Genre: Crime, Drama
MPAA Rating: R and contains sex, drug use, violence, language
Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.
Release Date: August 25, 2017
Distributed by: A24
The comments within this review are the critic’s expressed opinions.
