The 24 Movie Should Copy This 90s Movie To Get The Real-Time Aspect Right

The 24 Movie Should Copy This 90s Movie To Get The Real-Time Aspect Right

Key Takeaways

  • The real-time format in 24 Movie can replicate Nick of Time’s tension and suspense, helping it succeed.
  • Kiefer Sutherland is integral to the success of the 24 Movie and fans expect his return as Jack Bauer.
  • 24 Movie should learn from Nick of Time by setting clear time constraints early on to create suspenseful sequences.

As a long-time fan of the thrilling “24” series, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement as the news of the upcoming “24 Movie” breaks. The real-time format has always been one of the show’s strongest selling points, creating an unparalleled level of tension and suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.


The highly anticipated “24 Movie” is now in production at 20th Century Studios and Disney, leaving fans ecstatic following a decade-long wait for this major announcement. For years, there have been whispers about bringing the action series to the big screen, but the challenge of adapting its real-time format has been seen as insurmountable for cinemas. However, there’s precedent for successfully pulling off real-time storytelling in films, like Johnny Depp’s 1995 thriller “Nick of Time.” The 24 Movie could draw inspiration from this classic to recreate certain aspects of the real-time narrative.

The upcoming film titled “24 Movie” will struggle to maintain its real-time format throughout, however, some parts should unfold in real-time as fans remember from the original series. Achieving a cinematic journey that plays out live is challenging, but if executed well, it could lead to an incredibly intense action thriller. As of now, Kiefer Sutherland has not confirmed his return to play Jack Bauer, and it’s hard to imagine the revival of “24” without him.

Nick Of Time Was An Unappreciated Twisty 90s Thriller That Nailed The Real-Time Format

Nick of Time
StarringJohnny Depp, Christopher Walken, Roma Maffia, Charles S. Dutton, Courtney Chase, Marsha Mason, Peter Strauss and Gloria Reuben
Written byPatrick Sheane Duncan
Directed byJohn Badham

Few films have successfully captured the real-time format, making it challenging for productions like 24 to transition from television to cinema. Yet, there is a lesser-known thriller from the mid-90s that masterfully pulled off this difficult feat, giving fans of 24 reason to believe that a big screen adaptation could succeed. One such film is “Nick of Time,” which was released in 1995 and received little attention initially. Starring the rising actor Johnny Depp as Gene Watson, an ordinary accountant, the movie centers around his harrowing experience when he and his young daughter are kidnapped while traveling through Los Angeles. The kidnappers force Gene to assassinate a presidential candidate within one hour, or else they will kill his daughter.

Nick of Time Key Facts

  • Grossed $8 million on a budget of $33 million
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 30%

Although not initially lauded as a significant financial or critical triumph, Nick of Time has since garnered a dedicated fanbase and grown in popularity over time. This is largely due to its suspenseful storyline and the captivating performance by Johnny Depp, who later became a prominent Hollywood star. The film’s real-time aspect is particularly effective, as it maintains tension through frequent reminders of the ticking clock and persistent threats from Christopher Walken’s villainous character. The narrative shares parallels with the first season of 24, featuring a presidential candidate in peril, and a protagonist racing against time while being falsely accused of murder, much like Jack Bauer was initially framed as David Palmer’s assassin despite his efforts to protect him.

The 24 Movie Should Take Pointers From Nick Of Time In Order To Nail The Real-Time Aspect

In a nutshell, the upcoming “24 Movie” can learn from the 90’s thriller “Nick of Time,” which premiered in cinemas six years before “24” hit Fox. Both share numerous similarities, and the movie adaptation could benefit by incorporating some elements from this precursor. The “24 Movie” should establish time constraints at the onset of the story, as “Nick of Time” does effectively. This sets up a sense of urgency that drives the rest of the film.

Events Occur In Real Time

The 24 Movie Should Copy This 90s Movie To Get The Real-Time Aspect Right

Other Movies Set in Real-Time

  • Phone Booth (2002) (Kiefer Sutherland played the villain in this real-time thriller a year after 24 came out.)
  • Run Lola Run (1998)
  • Rope (1948)
  • Before Sunset (2004)
  • Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
  • Crank (2006)
  • Carnage (2011)
  • Locke (2013)

In the spirit of maintaining the trademark suspense and real-time format that made the original series a hit, the 24 Movie could adopt a similar structure as its predecessor but span across a two-hour period instead. However, to appease fans who appreciate a broader view of the 24-hour cycle, it would be beneficial to depict the beginning and end of this cycle on screen, while keeping most of the action unfolding in real-time. The nail-biting conclusion of Nick of Time, where time is running out for the mission, could serve as an inspiration for the final sequence of the 24 Movie.

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2024-09-17 21:03