'72 Hours' Review: Kevin Hart in Netflix Intergenerational Comedy

The new Netflix comedy 72 Hours marks the latest collaboration between director Tim Story and Kevin Hart. The film centers on a 40-year-old marketing executive who joins a group of Gen Z men for a bachelor party in Miami. His goal is to understand youth culture better to save his career, but the narrative quickly abandons this premise in favor of predictable slapstick.

Instead of examining the generational divide, the film leans into farcical situations. The plot features mistaken identities, run-ins with criminals, and a series of stunts involving a smuggler’s boat and jellyfish stings. Hart plays the lead character Joe, while a group of Saturday Night Live recruits portray the younger men. Despite the talent involved, the script does not move beyond standard action-comedy tropes.

The production features a cast including Teyana Taylor, Mason Gooding, and Andy Garcia. While the performances aim for high energy, the material holds them back. The narrative relies on repetitive gags, such as a prolonged impression of a famous movie character, rather than the sharper social commentary the setup suggests.

Ultimately, the film functions as a series of physical stunts. While Hart brings his characteristic effort to the screen, the movie feels long for its 105-minute runtime. It is now available for streaming, though viewers seeking deep insight into the culture clash between generations may find the final result light on substance.