After watching Dr. Jack Gramm, a forensic psychiatrist and college professor, receive an anonymous phone call informing him he has only a short time to live, we have no trouble understanding where the movie’s title, 88 Minutes, comes from. What we can’t fathom, however, is why such a fine actor as Al Pacino agreed to star in this muddled, low-quality thriller. In fact, it's so bad I might be able to review the film in just 88 words. Let’s see if this works: 

With only 88 minutes to live, Dr. Gramm gets close to a couple of his lovely university students, rushes frantically from building to building, spends most of the rest of his time on a cell phone, and deliberately antagonizes the death-row convict he’s sure is threatening to kill him.

Who could be collaborating with Gramm’s would-be murderer? That’s clear to viewers early on, but Gramm seems intent on taking almost the entire 88 minutes to figure it out.

Definitely not Pacino’s best work, but his hair looks great.

Hooray -- 88 words, if I've counted correctly.

In all fairness, I should mention Pacino’s brilliant acting in such terrific movies as Scent of a Woman, The Godfather films, Chinese Coffee (which he also directed), Dog Day Afternoon, S1mone, Insomnia, Sea of Love, and Serpico. After all, he’s earned eight Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actor Oscar for Scent of a Woman. (Who can forget his glorious tango with Gabrielle Anwar in that last film?)

I’m usually impressed with the intensity Pacino brings to his roles -- as well as with his expressive dark eyes and gravelly voice. I think he’s one of filmdom’s greatest actors, especially when he doesn't confuse shouting with good acting. That’s why I’m so sad about Pacino’s wasted talent in 88 Minutes. Yes, he’s had some bombs before. Remember Revolution and People I Know? But this is the first time I’ve felt like Pacino didn’t care about the character he’s playing or the story of the film -- or even his audience.

NOTE: Other actors also deserve condolences for appearing in 88 Minutes. The list includes such capable thespians as Leelee Sobieski and Alicia Witt -- who portray Dr. Gramm’s admiring students -- as well as Amy Brenneman in the role of Gramm’s loyal colleague, plus William Forsythe as a suspicious FBI man and Neal McDonough, who plays the vengeful serial killer. I'm sure better movie opportunities will come along for all of them.   

(Released by TriStar Pictures and rated “R” for disturbing violent content, brief nudity and language.)