Utilizing all of his nostalgic wonder, Kevin Smith establishes The 4:30 Movie as a true 80s teen movie. The 4:30 Movie is a charming, delightful movie that might possess the DNA of his raunchy Jay and Silent Bob outings but has a stronger genealogy to the films of John Hughes, Amy Heckerling, and Savage Steve Holland.

The 4:30 Movie is a coming of age story filled with teenage fantasies, awkward adult encounters, and the realization of one's passions.

Similar to how Smith crafted his love letter to fans with Clerks III, The 4:30 Movie represents a stronger, smoother style of storytelling. The jokes remain ever-constant, as do the wacky situations, but Smith has matured. He still maintains a fantasy version of his corner of Jersey but has filled it with more than just stoned-out losers and Gen X-ers that really do not want to be in the retail business. With 4:30, Smith has proven his thesis that movies help you deal with life. And with a little cinematic magic, life in Leonardo, New Jersey, regardless of the decade, is not all that bad.

"4:30" is Kevin Smith's latest addition to his filmography, and it presents an interesting mix of elements that might leave audiences divided. The film revolves around its leads, who, while undoubtedly central to the narrative, come off as insufferable at times. It's a shame that Smith seems to struggle with creating truly likable characters, especially when compared to his earlier works where his characters resonated deeply with audiences.

In contrast, where "4:30" truly shines is in its side characters. These supporting roles inject much-needed charm and depth into the movie, saving it from becoming a complete letdown. It's in these moments and interactions that the film finds its rhythm and provides some enjoyable and watchable scenes.

While "4:30" may not reach the same heights as some of Smith's earlier classics, it still manages to surpass the last few lackluster entries in his filmography. There's a sense of improvement evident in this movie, a glimmer of the filmmaker revisiting his strengths and rediscovering what made his earlier works so beloved.

Despite its flaws, "4:30" offers a glimpse of Smith returning to form, albeit with some hiccups along the way. The pacing, dialogue, and character development may not be as polished as fans would hope for, but there's a raw honesty to the storytelling that is hard to ignore.

In conclusion, "4:30" is a mixed bag. While the leads may come across as insufferable and the writing lacking its past charm, the film is buoyed by strong performances from its side characters and an overall improvement in quality compared to Smith's recent endeavors. It might not be a perfect movie, but it shows promise and hints at a potential return to form for the filmmaker. With a rating of 5/10 stars, "4:30" is worth a watch for fans of Kevin Smith, but it may leave some wishing for more of the magic that defined his earlier works.

I really enjoyed this movie. The cast is a mix of unexpectedly good newcomers and funny cameos from regulars in Kevin's movies. There is a sweet side to the story that we haven't seen from Kevin since Jersey Girl and it works.

Austin Zajur gives a performance way above what you would expect and the cast has great chemistry.

I was lucky enough to get to watch this movie with Kevin at his place and it was an amazing evening. I'm going to see it again this weekend on the big screen.

The movie isn't drawn out or heavy and it is a great time. Highly recommended for anyone who grew up in that era or wished they did.