Performance & Direction: Short Time Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Short Time (1990) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Short Time features a noteworthy lineup led by Dabney Coleman . Supported by the likes of Matt Frewer and Teri Garr , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Short Time (1990) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Short Time
Quick Plot Summary: Short Time is a Action, Comedy, Crime film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Short Time
Ending Breakdown: Short Time concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Short Time reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Short Time Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Short Time incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, comedy, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Short Time adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Short Time?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Top Cast: Short Time
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Short Time Parents Guide & Age Rating
1990 AdvisoryWondering about Short Time age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Short Time is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Short Time stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Short Time worth watching?
Short Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Short Time parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Short Time identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Short Time?
The total duration of Short Time is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
