44 Minutes

44 Minutes
Release Date:5 June 2003 (USA)
Genre:Crime / Drama / Action
Director: Yves Simoneau (Nuremburg, Free Money)
Writer: Tim Metcalfe (Revenge of the Nerds I, II, III, IV, Kalifornia)
Starring: Michael Madsen, Mario Van Peebles, Ron Livingston

A network like FX, which has yielded such television shows as “The Shield” and “Nip/Tuck,” doesn’t do too many TV movies. From the looks of it, though, they actually believe in quality control when they do. 44 Minutes – The North Hollywood Shoot-Out is the perfect example of what a network that actually cares about the films they make can do with a good script. While not perfect, 44 Minutes is that great kind of movie that, despite its flaws, keeps your attention for its entire runtime without ever slowing down.

44 Minutes is what that the terrible S.W.A.T. should have, and could have, been. Based on the February 28, 1997 Bank of America robbery that saw two robbers armed to the teeth with automatic weapons and the best body armor available open fire on a slew of LAPD cops while attempting escape. Told in documentary-like fashion with comments coming from the actors playing the police officers (Michael Madsen, Ron Livingston, and Mario Van Peebles in particular) interspersed throughout, it gives great insight into what happened on that day. Since this aired on FX, the film isn’t short on the blood and guts that come with gunshot wounds either, which is a big plus.

While I’m kind of surprised to hear myself say this, I must say that it’s pretty obvious that Madsen and Peebles belong here more than Livingston. Known mostly for his lead role in Office Space Livingston is not convincing as a cop, nor does he seem to care about his part. Madsen, who is one of the few staples of the direct-to-video industry that still obtains Hollywood parts, actually seems to be into things. The fact that Madsen and Peebles’ have played the same exact role several times in the past few years doesn’t hurt their performance either.

The film obviously has a few flaws, but they’re very minor and shouldn’t really impede its ability to be enjoyed on a relaxing night.