20 Years of Madness

In the mid-90s a group of high school kids had a public access show in Detroit called 30 Minutes of Madness. The sketch comedy program gave its actors a feeling of belonging and allowed them to express their creativity with freedom. That was 20 years ago though, and these days the cast members are feeling unfulfilled with their current lives. After finishing film school, jobless Jerry decides he wants to get the gang back together for a new episode, inspired by a recent high school reunion. He hopes his new skills will help to boost the show's production values, something that may have prevented their success. After all this time, is the chemistry still there? Directed by Jeremy Royce, the engaging documentary 20 YEARS OF MADNESS follows the troupe on their quest to bring the show back to life. The film also examines the disappointment we feel about the dreams we leave behind. Some might say Jerry and his pals should just move on. But many will relate to such regrets, inspired by the hopeful thought that maybe there's still time. – E.F.