Short Time

Short Time is an endearing and unexpected blend of comedy, action, and drama directed by Gregg Champion. Released in 1990, it stars veteran actor Dabney Coleman, alongside Matt Frewer and Teri Garr in compelling supporting roles.

Dabney Coleman stars as the film's protagonist, Detective Burt Simpson. A stereotypical, dry-humored, by-the-book detective, Burt is only a few days from retiring with a sizeable pension for which he has meticulously planned for the peace and security of his post-work life. The central idea of the movie revolves around Detective Simpson's desire to prepare for his retirement in a picture-perfect manner, while still coming to terms with new challenges brewing ahead.

Burt Simpson’s life takes a sudden detour when he mistakenly believes he's been diagnosed with a terminal illness due to a medical testing mix-up. He thinks he is living on borrowed time. This unfortunate mix-up gives rise to numerous hilariously misconstrued moments, with Burt trying to balance the contemplation of his imminent demise with the routine life of a detective.

Moreover, this perceived short time leads Burt to undertake absurd risks in an attempt to secure the continuation of his 100% benefits to his family after his departure. What ensues is a series of outlandish and highly comical situations, as Burt moves from being a conservative, cautious policeman to a reckless stunt-performing daredevil, much to the dismay and bewilderment of his colleagues and superiors.

Matt Frewer stars as Ernie Dills, Burt's much younger partner. Frewer gracefully captures the blend of shock, worry, and eventual awe at Burt's sudden transformation into a relentless daredevil. Dills also feels compelled to support his partner despite his obvious concerns for Burt's mental and physical well-being. Despite their differences, they share an undeniably strong bond of camaraderie.

Teri Garr plays Carolyn Simpson, Burt's ex-wife and the mother of their teenage son Dougie, played by Kaj-Erik Eriksen. The dynamics between Burt and Carolyn, who try to navigate their strained post-divorce relationship while contending with Burt's inexplicable behavior and perceived illness, provide both humor and heartfelt moments that add depth to the film.

One of the greatest strengths of Short Time is its ability to surprise and entertain without relying heavily on special effects or over-the-top productions. The script by Michael Berry and John Blumenthal holds many clever turns of phrases and comedy set-pieces that help elevate the movie from being another addition to the saturated buddy-cop genre. The film becomes a masterful tragi-comic spectacle of misunderstanding, exaggeration, and satirical humor on the daily life of a police officer and the bureaucratic red tape involved.

Complementing the narrative are competent action sequences. Contrasting Burt's conservative policing style against his reckless stunts in the public eye provides a pleasantly surprising action-comedy experience. The chase sequences and stunts, combined with the film's perfectly timed comic relief, contribute to the movie’s refreshing blend of action and comedy.

In conclusion, Short Time is a brilliant example of late '80s and early '90s cinema, blending humor, heart, and action in a way that feels fresh and enjoyable even today. The film thrives on its rich character development and clever plot-line. Its dark humor, mixed with moments of genuine emotion, make it a must-watch for those who unabashedly enjoy this era of film. The performance of Dabney Coleman, with his comic timing and deadpan humor, is the soul of the movie. Coupled with strong support from Frewer and Garr, Short Time is an emotional and comical roller coaster that's sure to have viewers laughing and crying in equal measure.