In recent years, Kevin Smith has been deeply reflective, delving into his past with a sense of nostalgia. This isn’t a new theme for Smith; he has frequently revisited beloved characters and infused his films with references to past entertainment. However, since his heart attack in 2018, his introspection has intensified, markedly influencing his work.
In Jay and Silent Reboot (2019), Smith explored fatherhood by giving his iconic character Jay (played by Jason Mewes) an estranged daughter, portrayed by Smith’s own daughter, Harley Quinn Smith. The film also featured Smith contemplating his own storytelling choices, particularly regarding Chasing Amy.
In Clerks III (2022), Smith returned to the characters from his debut film, having Randal (Jeff Anderson) and Dante (Brian O’Halloran) create a movie within the Quick Stop while addressing their own health struggles. After a series of unconventional horror films, it was refreshing to see Smith return to more personal, relatable stories.
With his latest film, The 4:30 Movie, Smith crafts a deeply personal narrative that feels like his most autobiographical work since Clerks. The film centers on the quintessential teenage experience—hanging out at the movies, navigating friendships, and pondering a girl you wish you’d asked out. If Smith’s childhood resembled the 1986 New Jersey summer depicted in the film, it’s clear how his experiences shaped him and influenced his filmmaking. The 4:30 Movie showcases Smith’s heartfelt approach, aiming to address some of the recurring issues in his previous works. While the film’s earnestness brings a refreshing touch, it delivers mixed results.
What Is the Release Date of The 4:30 Movie?
The 4:30 Movie had a limited release on Friday, September 13, 2024. On the same date, 19 other films, including The Killer’s Game, Transformers One, and Speak No Evil, were also released. As a limited release, The 4:30 Movie is only available in select theaters across major markets. To find out if it’s playing near you, check Fandango and Atom Tickets.
What Is the Plot of The 4:30 Movie?
Brian David, portrayed as a sixteen-year-old, leads a life of movie escapades at his local multiplex, capturing his thoughts on a tape recorder as part of his writing exercise. His adventures are usually shared with his friends: Burny (Nicholas Cirillo), the ladies’ man of the group, and Belly (Reed Northrup), who often finds himself in trouble.
Things take a turn for Brian when he invites his longtime crush, Melody Barnegat (Siena Agudong), to join them for a 4:30 movie. Although Brian and Melody had a brief romance the previous summer, it has taken him this long to muster the courage to ask her out. Once Melody agrees, Brian must navigate the challenges of sneaking into an R-rated film, dealing with the irate theater manager, Mike (played by the scene-stealing Ken Jeong), and managing his friends’ frustrations with the new dynamic she introduces.
Smith’s films are known for transforming mundane situations into grand experiences for his characters, a quality that suits his debut attempt at a more straightforward teen comedy. He opens the film by depicting Brian’s nerve-wracking phone call to Melody, an awkward yet genuine moment that resonates with the authenticity of a real-life event from Smith’s own youth. Melody’s acceptance to hang out that day marks a significant and heartfelt victory for Brian, setting a tone of sincerity and emotional depth that Smith aims to infuse throughout the story.
Who Is in the Cast of The 4:30 Movie?
Austin Zajur
Jason Biggs
Nicholas Cirillo
Rosario Dawson
Rachel Dratch
