Buying Time
Buying Time

Buying Time

1989Movie103 minEnglish

Petty thieves Jabber and Reno are blackmailed by the police to uncover the identity of a mobster who is killing the city's drug dealers. While reluctant, they're convinced by the offer to expunge their own crimes. They go undercover and track a suspect named Curtis King. Soon they find evidence of Curtis's crimes, but amplify the danger in which they find themselves.

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Insights

IMDb5.1/10
Director: Tim DoyleGenres: Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A young Black man from the inner city dreams of escaping his environment through athletic scholarships. However, he gets entangled in a life of crime when his father's gambling debts lead to threats from dangerous loan sharks. He must navigate this perilous path while trying to maintain his aspirations and protect his family.

Critical Reception

Buying Time received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. It was noted for its attempts to address social issues but was often criticized for its predictable plot and heavy-handed execution. The film struggled to gain significant traction with critics or audiences, becoming a relatively obscure entry in 1980s cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty depiction of inner-city struggles.
  • Criticized for a formulaic narrative and underdeveloped characters.
  • Seen as having potential but ultimately failing to deliver a compelling story.

Google audience: Audience reception for Buying Time is largely unavailable, making it difficult to ascertain specific likes or dislikes from Google users. The film did not achieve widespread popularity, thus limiting available user feedback.

Fun Fact

While the film attempts to tackle serious social issues, it received very little attention upon its release and is not widely remembered in the landscape of 1980s independent cinema.

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