Review of 12:01

12:01 (1993 TV Movie)
10/10
Barry Thomas isn't having a good day!
16 July 2006
For a slow-paced, and mild-mannered man named Barry Thomas, Tuesday morning was just another day with the same old people, being unpleasant and disgusting. He attends the same job, with the same drags and hacks. His boss is a real wench, his best friend won't give him a break, and the woman he has fallen in love, has no idea he exists. But today, Tuesday, he will make a difference. Whether he knows it or not, he will be the key player in the next four days. His first time to speak to his crush, Dr. Lisa Fredricks, goes from kinky, to array. He can't manage to sit down at his desk, without his best pal playing a harsh prank. Next thing he knows, his job is on the line. Things get much more difficult when he watches the beautiful Lisa, suffer, and die from a slew of shots from a gun! He is estranged and torn, so he drinks himself to sleep, but not before he shocks himself whilst touching his lamp....as lightening strikes... Alas, the next morning begins, and there is no mention of Lisa Fredricks death on the news, or in the office, of which he is late for work...again. His boss is saying the same old nagging, his friend has the same pranks in line, and as soon as he can adjust to this madness, there, walking by, is Dr. Lisa Fredricks. The day has started over...and a time bounce has interfered the world.

This film was such a wonderful effort from FOX back in 1993, and I only pity the network for producing less-than worthy decisions more so today. It has a firm, catchy theatrical feel to it, that appeals to it's audience. It sets itself up with an intense introduction and a nice opening title sequence that prepares the rest of the film. It's subject matter, and executional tactics are very fair, and not overdone. They don't show any blood and guts, nor do they invade the script with vile language. Not that it would contain any, being a film made for television. What's more, it captures the exact tensity and tension as an action sci-fi thriller made for a summer blockbuster audience. All the good moments are well represented. Perhaps it would have faired well in a theatrical run...it seemed to do so as it was.

The cast is terrific, and as such, they're easily lovable. Jonathan Silverman is one heck of a good guy in this picture, and he wins our hearts early on, with his adorable personality and his "nice guys finish last" approach. He has an effective puppy love for Helen Slater as the leading lady. Silverman is so hansom and determined to reach his destination. You just want to cheer for him, and your jaw drops as certain obstacles get in his way. Helen Slater as always, gives one of her many articulate performances. She is not so vulnerable as she looks, and she is not easily persuaded to any single belief. Her stronger moments do lay in her character when she is torn between what she thinks is real, and what she wants to believe. Need I say anything more than the radiation of light that appears when her name is mentioned? Slater and Silverman are so cute together, and you just want to take them both and hug 'em tight! The rest of the cast is fun. Jeremy Piven is a frolicked fun co-star who puts his comedic timing to good use as the side-kick friend with a desk full of pranks. Robin Bartlett is above the funny line as the nagging boss who steps out from the expected line and creates diversion and delays. Martin Landau...well, what's not to love about the guy? He's good in whatever he does!

"12:01" is a real winner. It's not too much, but it's more than enough to please any type of crowd.
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