I’m not sure how many of you already read my piece detailing the true story behind this weekend’s new release 30 Minutes or Less, but you will probably want to read it before devouring this piece as the Associated Press is reporting Jean Heid, sister to Brian Wells, the pizza delivery driver who was killed when a bomb handcuffed to his neck exploded following a bank robbery, is none-too-pleased the true story has been adapted into a Hollywood comedy. The studio, however, is claiming ignorance.
“Neither the filmmakers nor the stars of 30 Minutes or Less were aware of this crime prior to their involvement in the film,” said Steve Elzer, the senior vice president who handles media relations for Sony Pictures’ Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, in a statement. “The writers were vaguely familiar with what had occurred and wrote an original screenplay that does not mirror the real-life tragedy.” Based on that last sentence you may want to click here and judge for yourself.
Heid sent the Associated Press an email in which she said, “It’s hard for me to grasp how other human beings can take delight and pride in making such a movie and consider it a comedy… I don’t think it’s funny to laugh at the innocent who are victimized by criminals, who care nothing for human life.”
Heid concluded saying, “I have no interest in seeing this movie. How would you feel if it were your family member being made fun of?”
Jerry Clark, a since-retired FBI agent that led the investigation and was on the scene when the bomb exploded and killed Wells, also tells the AP, “Having been on the scene the day that it happened and watching the device detonate, linking that with a comedy, that’s sort of difficult for me to comprehend.”
If you haven’t read my piece on the film you can do so right here where I discuss the details of the true story and how they compare to the new film, which hits theaters this Friday, August 12. For more information on 30 Minutes or Less, directed by Ruben Fleischer and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Aziz Ansari, Danny McBride and Nick Swardson, click here.
