Movie Review: ‘72 Hours’ Offers Big Laughs but Runs Out of Time

The new Kevin Hart comedy, '72 Hours,' attempts to explore the generational divide through the eyes of a New York ad executive named Joe, whose ideas have become dated. His bosses doubt his ability to connect with Gen Z, prompting him to join a bachelor party with four 20-somethings, despite only having a tenuous link to the group.

Streaming on Netflix, the film is directed by Tim Story and produced by Will Packer. It's noted for its engineered nature, with many scenes reminiscent of other comedies, particularly 'The Hangover.' The movie positions itself as a meta-commentary on Hart, now 47, navigating a younger, more politically correct generation, which aligns well with his comedic style of self-deprecation.

The film's comic energy largely stems from Hart's interactions with his younger co-stars, including 'Saturday Night Live' cast members Marcello Hernández, Ben Marshall, and Kam Patterson, alongside Mason Gooding. Hart's knack for playing the butt of jokes shines as the bachelor party guys mock the older man funding their trip. However, the plot is described as ridiculously contrived, incorporating a drug dealer subplot and Joe's alter ego, Ricardo Montana, an impersonation of Al Pacino's Tony Montana from 'Scarface.'

'72 Hours' offers a commentary on contemporary sensibilities clashing with older comedic tastes, particularly through Joe's missteps, like a Fanta ad with a pronoun pun and miming an Asian stereotype. While the 'SNL' cast members perform well, the movie ultimately succumbs to predictable hijinks, such as a yacht party and a jellyfish bite, and its narrative feels rushed, as if it 'runs out of time.'