Short Time

1990 "Getting killed isn't as easy as it looks."
6.4| 1h37m| PG-13| en
Details

As a result of a misdiagnosis, Detective Burt Simpson is told he has just weeks to live. He gains a new respect for his life and loved ones but learns that in order for his wife, Carolyn, and son, Dougie, to collect any insurance money, he must be killed in the line of duty. He then becomes the most reckless man on the police force, volunteering for dangerous assignments over the objections of his by-the-book partner.

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Reviews

ReaderKenka Let's be realistic.
Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Sameer Callahan It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
Bessie Smyth Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.
SnoopyStyle A shipment of experimental weapons have been stolen from the military. With only eight days left before his retirement, Seattle police detective Burt Simpson (Dabney Coleman) is risk averse to the dismay of his partner Ernie Dills (Matt Frewer). Their captain (Barry Corbin) isn't happy either. Burt's blood test for his life insurance gets switched and he's told that he has only two and a half weeks to live. His police life insurance is only good for getting killed in the line of duty. He needs to leave money for his wife Carolyn (Teri Garr) and his young son. He takes on the riskiest calls to get himself killed in his last week on the job.This wants to be funny with action. With a great comedic actor in Coleman and an intriguing concept, this has good potential. There is plenty of action but the comedy never quite gets to be funny. The death wish does complicate the emotional aspect. Also Frewer is not as fun as he could be. Coleman is bitter for most of the movie. The constant joke of him failing to get himself killed is limited in its effect. It's interesting but doesn't fully satisfy.
joellen835 This movie is plain, simple, fun. It doesn't leave you breathless with suspense, or on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding. But for those who don't enjoy all the smut, violence, and potty mouth movies we've been inundated with in the past several years, its a winner. Dabney Coleman plays the part well. First, he is soon to retire from police work, and understandably doesn't want to risk his neck and lose it just before he retires. However, this all changes when he is told he has just a short time to live. Wanting nothing more than to leave his family some security, he begins his unsuccessful quest to get himself killed on the job, only to find out its harder than he thought it would be. This is a movie that does not require anyone to swim through the gray area of a controversial issue. It's just plain entertaining.
jcradio This is truly one of the funniest movies, I've seen. I used to watch it several times a week. I highly recommend this one if you like offbeat comedies. One of the funniest things was something I didn't even notice the first three times I saw it...What you ask? The names of the main characters...Burt and Ernie. That's right folks, the two cops are named after two of your favorite childhood friends. ENJOY!!
MillBay I did not enjoy this film at all. Usually I like Dabney Coleman and I saw this movie for sale for only $3.99. Well, that was $3.99 NOT well spent. What can I say? The premise is good, but the movie did not follow through. I watched this movie with three other people and nobody enjoyed it at all. It was not funny (as the cover of the movie box implies), nor heartwarming. As Homer Simpson would say, "BO-RING!" Don't waste your time with this dull film.