Real Time (2008)

Andy Hayes (Jay Baruchel) is a degenerate out-of-luck gambler in Hamilton, Canada. Reuban (Randy Quaid) is owed money and vows to kill him. Reuban gives him an hour and a bit to get his life in order. After failing to find a hooker, they go for a short visit to Andy's grandmother (Jayne Eastwood).This is a small indie comedy drama. The starting premise makes no sense. One can't collect from a dead man. It feels fake but I'm willing to buy that Reuban is lying. It's never threatening since I don't believe he's going to kill Andy. There is a manufactured sensibility about the whole thing. Quaid is throwing in an Aussie-like accent. Baruchel is trying his jittery best. It would help if the writing is funnier and sharper. It's interesting to have Quaid and Baruchel throw lines at each other but this is nowhere near good enough. There is a final twist that could have been really compelling. It's just that the whole story isn't set up well.

I met Randy Quaid many years ago, when I was bartending at a bar in Toronto. I was surprised to see how very tall he was, and felt a little nervous around someone with so much physical presence. Truth is, he's a pussycat. But not in this film! Mr Quaid's presence is massive, and I mean that in the best way. His laconic Aussie is frightening from his first entry into this two-hander, and he ably sustains that looming, brooding character right through to the end of the film. Along with Jay Baruchel, another terrific actor born to play this role, the pressure begins with our initial encounter of hit-man and loser, and never lets up. I have to say that I'm glad that I saw this film, and the level of acting showcased - with major props to Jayne Eastwood, a Canadian acting legend, whom I've followed for decades - should be mandatory viewing for aspiring actors/actresses who want to see what a great actor can do with a great role, and the right acting chops. As an aside, the soundtrack of mainly Canadian musical stars of the 70's adds a melancholy, nostalgic feel to the experience. Amongst the musicians showcased are the Jive Five ("What Time is It?"); Abraham's Children ("Goodbye, Farewell"); LightHouse ("One Fine Morning); The Stampeders ("Sweet City Woman"); Chilliwack ("Fly by Night"); Trooper ("Two for the Show"); and The Tragically Hip ("Scared"). Also used to great effect are Nilssen's ("Without You") and a taste of Erik Satie's "Gymnopedies #1". This film will make you think. It may make you reconsider what 'luck' is. And it may make you see your world a little differently than it looked at the beginning of the day. To quote Ruben's character (Quaid); "Actually walking away at the right moment - how often do we do that?"

I noticed a posting "Best film of the Toronto Film Festival" -- now that had to be one of the WORST film Festivals I have EVER heard of.Randy Quaid and Jay Baruchel did their jobs as far as the acting goes, but come on??????? --- wheres the story? There is no way on this green earth that a hard ass hit man is going to go that route.This was boring, long drawn out BS.... another total waste of time. -- What is with the film industry today? Has our economy gotten so bad that they have to stoop to low budget crap to infiltrate the market just to give us something to watch? Jeeeezzzzzzz Come ON PLEASE!!!!!!!. How can anyone give this a 10? 3 at best.

i would have voted 15 if possible, randy Q. shows a side of acting i had failed to see, i knew he was a fine character actor, always supporting but he is the mac. Daddy in this excellent film there are so many gems in this film and make no mistake its a gem, follywood dumbs us down so much that movies like this stand out like light in the night. I wont give you details. this film must be seen at least 2 times, like one poster said i am the only one around me that has seen this movie and i cant talk about it, acting by all is top notch. This film shows us that a great film can be made without blowing up a car with massive blood shed, involving armies, and corrupt police, This film touched me i will buy it keep it view it