Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun time-travel thriller has positive Black representation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
57 Seconds
What's the Story?
57 SECONDS follows Franklin Fox (Josh Hutcherson), a tech blogger who wants to interview tech innovator Anton Burrell (Morgan Freeman). Their encounter leads to Franklin finding a special ring that can alter time for 57 seconds. Franklin uses the ring to help his relationship with his girlfriend-turned-fiancée (Lovie Simone) -- and to exact revenge on a nefarious pharmaceutical executive (Greg Germann) who created a super-addictive drug that negatively affected Franklin's life.
Is It Any Good?
This engaging sci-fi ride puts a new twist on the time-travel conceit. In 57 Seconds, time travel is used more like a drug instead of a mathematical concept (which means that viewers who usually aren't interested in time travel stories might be able to watch without getting a headache). Hutcherson does a great job as Franklin, bringing empathy and humanity to a role that could have been seen as underbaked. The same goes for Freeman and Simone -- their characters aren't written deeply, especially Freeman's, but their acting ability adds depth to what was likely on the page. Freeman's character is very mysterious, but, thankfully, Freeman grounds the role with his own gravitas. Overall, 57 Seconds is a fine film to watch on a Friday night.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about 57 Seconds' diverse representations. What's unusual about the way it portrays Black characters? Why are positive representations in the media important?
What is the nature of revenge? Can it be satisfying? Why? Can it ever truly solve a problem?
What commentary does the film make about the technology industry?
How is time travel used as a tool to help others? What are the dangers of time travel, as addressed in the film?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 29, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : November 14, 2023
- Cast : Josh Hutcherson , Morgan Freeman , Lovie Simone , Greg Germann
- Director : Rusty Cundieff
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : The Avenue
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and language
- Last updated : October 11, 2023
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