Kevin Hart's latest stab at making us laugh has landed with a thud, leaving critics and fans alike wondering if his career is stuck in neutral. His Netflix comedy '72 Hours' is the eighth collaboration with director Tim Story – but it seems even that tried-and-tested formula can't save this underwhelming effort.
As Joe, a 40-year-old marketing exec on the cusp of a promotion and struggling to keep his personal life on track, Hart's character embodies the midlife crisis that drives the plot. When he's invited to host a Miami bachelor party for a group of young bucks, Hart's Joe sees an opportunity to reboot his image – just like the comedian has been trying to do in real life.
The film's lukewarm reception is the latest chapter in Hart's high-profile struggles to stay relevant. From traffic incidents and personal scandals to resurfacing controversies over past tweets, it seems the actor has become a lightning rod for criticism. Add in his relentless output across multiple platforms – think stand-up specials, films, podcasts, and social media presence – and you've got a recipe for 'overexposure' that's starting to wear thin.
'72 Hours' boasts a talented young cast, including SNL's Marcello Hernández and Mason Gooding, but even they can't elevate this lacklustre effort. With a runtime of 105 minutes, it feels like an eternity since the last decent laugh – and that's not just because Hart's been trying to make us LOL for decades.
As his media company faces legal challenges, Hart's public persona is under increasing scrutiny. For UK viewers, '72 Hours' is available on Netflix – but this lacklustre comedy only serves as a reminder of the perils of overexposure in an industry where relevance is everything.