Overtime

USA • 2011 • 81m •

• Directed by: Brian Cunningham, Matt Niehoff. • Starring: Al Snow, John Wells, Sebrina Scott, Erica Goldsmith, James Tackett, Cristina Mullins, Katie Stewart, Avri Apocalypse, Rita Hight, Caleb Butcher, Sean Saunders, Benjamin Wood, Sandy Alvarez. • Music by: Jason Paige.

Raph and Max only kill bad guys, and only after their boss Sam, a high-powered attorney, has cashed a nice paycheck for getting her sleazy clients off the hook. When Sam sends our heroes on a routine hit, they find themselves caught up in a conspiracy they never imagined. But whatever trouble they've gotten themselves into is nothing compared to the wrath of Raph's wife if he doesn't make it home in time for his son's birthday party. Being a good hit man is tough; being a good dad is killer!

Review:

I wouldn't normally call myself fortunate for getting to preview a new independent film, but I was recently asked to preview Overtime and "fortunate" is exactly what I am. Overtime, written and directed by Louisville, Ky native Matt Niehoff, sets a new standard for independent films everywhere. The bar has been raised, not only for the courageous and beautifully balanced cinematography, nor for the skillful editing alone, but, just as rare in most indie films, it's been raised for the talent owned by several of these mainly untried cast members.

The primary cast has a chemistry that sizzles, giving me the same feeling I had watching the brat pack perform together in the 80s. Thankfully, Overtime is no John Hughs film. Instead, the main cast manages to balance the absurdity in and around them with realism, and thus create believability. John Wells is perfectly cast as the ego-centric Max, and his intentionally over-the-top performance shines when countered with Al Snow's convincingly real portrayal of the more reasonable Raeff. Special kudos go, too, to actress Sebrina Siegel, who managed to bring a greater credibility to the film with her very natural delivery of some very un-natural dialogue, and who's impressive performance and genuine movements helped eliminate the possibility of a "comic book" feeling to the movie.

It wouldn't feel right without also crediting the soundtrack chosen to accompany this fun-filled ride. Simply well done. Even the highest budget indie films will have difficulty stretching to reach the bars of Overtime.

Review by thebigbang991 from the Internet Movie Database.