Opened: November 22, 1995

Directed by: John Badham

Starring: Johnny Depp, Christopher Walken, Charles S. Dutton, Roma Maffia, Marsha Mason, Peter Strauss, Gloria Reuben, G.D. Spradlin, Bill Smitrovich, Yul Vazquez, Edith Diaz, Courtney Chase & Peter Mackenzie

With the story happening in real time, Nick of Time is an intense thriller even if its story is lacking.

After arriving at Union Station in Los Angeles, Gene Watson (Johnny Depp) and his daughter Lynn (Courtney Chase) are detained by Mr. Smith (Christopher Walken) and Ms. Jones (Roma Maffia) posing as police officers. Mr. Smith explains that Gene must kill the governor (Marsha Mason) or his daughter will be murdered.

There’s little justification to why the governor is going to be taken out and its explanation is easy to miss. The story gets a bit convoluted when you realize how many of her people are in on the crime.

Walken overacts throughout – and his wig is highly distracting – but Depp provides intellect to a role that could’ve been more brawns than brains.

Final say: Time wasted. ★★☆☆☆