One of the hardest things to overcome as an actor is being typecast, even when whatever has been attached to your name may possibly be the biggest success of someone’s career. This can be even more frustrating for younger actors. Why? Because as proud artists, these individuals want to keep redefining themselves while trying to avoid that dreaded “child actor” stigma. Just like with actors such as Daniel Radcliffe, Zac Efron or Macaulay Culkin, Early success can end up being both a blessing and a curse. You can add Robert Pattinson, aka Edward Cullen of the very successful Twilight series to this group easily. Try as he might, it turns out that sparkling vampires cast huge shadows. Good Time might be just the type of role that audiences will sink their teeth into in order for Pattinson to once again take flight.
Connie (Robert Pattinson) and Nick (Benny Safdie) are brothers who sometimes live on the wrong side of the law. When a bank robbery goes sideways, Connie and Nick become fugitives on the run. Nick depends on his older brother for guidance and safety which proves to not be the best of situations. Connie is looking to get rich fast so that the two siblings can have a better life but their plans crumble before they can even get going. In an attempt to put family first, Good Time shows just how quickly morality might get ditched in the name of family. Doing wrong for the right reasons will land you in a bad place.
Brothers Benny and Josh Safdie are sharing the directing duties once again for Good Time, just as they did with Heaven Knows What (2014), a grueling, hard hitting drama. As far as the two previously mentioned attributes go, it’s probably twice as intense this time around. The tone is unmistakably dark and, coupled with its brisk pace, audiences won’t get much time to catch their breath. Fans of movies like Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive (2011), for example, should immediately find value in this crime drama.
Robert Pattinson quickly proves that he’s up for the task at hand, leaving his teen memories in the dust. If Pattinson continues down this career path, he could find himself in high demand once again. No one is truly amazing but each actor holds his or her own, regardless of age or experience. Jennifer Jason Leigh is a welcome addition even though she’s only in a small supporting role. Robert Pattinson and Benny Safdie are the two gems of this work. Even though they are polar opposites on screen, their bond is undeniably strong.
Good Time pumps out the adrenaline side by side with a Europop inspired score helping to raise the intensity even higher. There is a lot to take in with little subplots sprinkled throughout. At the end of the day audiences can expect to have a “good time” while waiting to see what challenges lie around the next turn. This may not be movie that’s even on your radar at first but once you watch the trailer and after you’ve read this review, you might feel bold enough to take a gamble. Check it out in theaters now.
