’72 Hours’ Review: Kevin Hart Tries to Be Down With the Kids in a Mediocre ‘Hangover’ Knockoff

The release of "72 Hours" is a timely reminder that the comedy genre is still struggling to find its footing in recent years. With Kevin Hart at the helm, the film had potential to be a box office hit, but its attempt to emulate the success of "The Hangover" falls flat. The addition of a crime subplot is a misstep, taking away from the comedic elements that could have made the film enjoyable. This mistake is not unique to "72 Hours", as many comedies have suffered from similar issues, highlighting the challenges of balancing humor with more serious plotlines.

The involvement of Tim Story, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg is notable, given their past successes in the comedy genre. Story's experience with "Barbershop" and "Ride Along" suggests that he knows how to craft a funny film, while Hurwitz and Schlossberg's work on the "Harold & Kumar" trilogy demonstrates their ability to create humorous and relatable characters. However, their collective efforts on "72 Hours" are not enough to save the film from its overall mediocrity. This raises questions about the current state of comedy in film and whether the genre is in need of a refresh.

As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how comedies like "72 Hours" are received by audiences. With the rise of streaming services and changing viewer habits, the traditional comedy film may need to adapt to remain relevant. Kevin Hart's attempt to appeal to a younger demographic is a notable aspect of "72 Hours", and its success or failure could have implications for future comedies. As the box office numbers roll in, it will be worth watching to see if "72 Hours" can find an audience despite its lukewarm reception from critics.

Originally reported by variety.com. VerbalNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.