Doin' Time

About This Movie

Doin' Time is one of those oddball comedies that embraces its own absurdity. Set in the John Dillinger prison, it plays out like a carnival gone wrong, with Duke Jarrett navigating a world where inmates run the show. The atmosphere feels loose and chaotic, almost like a parody of prison life, where the lines between authority and rebellion blur. The pacing has this uneven rhythm, at times dragging and other times bursting with manic energy. The performances are a mixed bag, with some actors clearly relishing their roles as they lean into the madness. Its practical effects and comedic gags are reminiscent of a low-budget charm, making it a distinct piece of 80s cinema that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Unique take on prison lifeChaotic atmosphereMix of solid and offbeat performances