Small Time (2014)
A used car dealer's world gets complicated when his son trades college for the lot, sparking a funny, bittersweet story about fathers, sons, and hard lessons.
Small Time - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Joel Surnow
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 18, 2014
- Production Companies: Anchor Bay Films, Asylum Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Small Time - Plot
Al Klein and his longtime friend, Ash Martini, own a used car lot and these two know every trick in the book when it comes to selling cars. Klein still pines for his ex-wife Barbara who left him years ago for a more successful man. After their son Freddy graduates from high school, he decides to forego college in favor of selling cars with his old man. But what's good for Klein might not be the best thing for Freddy, as he quickly transforms from an innocent young man into a jaded car salesman, leaving Al with a tough decision to make.
Small Time - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the hustle of the lot come to life:
Close the Deal
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Small Time - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joel Surnow
Main Cast
- Christopher Meloni
- Devon Bostick
- Dean Norris
- Bridget Moynahan
- Xander Berkeley
- Ashley Jensen
- Garcelle Beauvais
- Amaury Nolasco
- Ken Davitian
- Gregory Itzin
Writers
- Joel Surnow
Producers
- K.C. Warnke
Small Time - FAQs
What is Small Time about?
Small Time follows Al Klein, a fast-talking used car dealer who runs a lot with his buddy Ash. When Al's son Freddy skips college to join the business, the hustle and grift of the trade slowly chip away at the kid's idealism, forcing Al to reckon with the life he's modeled for his son.
Does Freddy end up regretting skipping college?
That tension sits at the heart of the film. Freddy dives into the car lot world with enthusiasm, but the cynical tricks of the trade gradually transform him. Al watches his son's innocence erode and must decide whether the life he loves is really the right inheritance to pass on.
Where can you stream or rent Small Time?
You can rent or buy Small Time on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. If you'd rather not spend a dime, YouTube Free also offers the film with ads, so there are plenty of ways to watch.
Who are the main actors in Small Time?
Christopher Meloni leads the cast as Al Klein, with Devon Bostick playing his son Freddy. Dean Norris brings his trademark gruff charm as Ash, while Bridget Moynahan plays Al's ex-wife Barbara. The supporting lineup also includes Xander Berkeley, Ashley Jensen, Garcelle Beauvais, and Amaury Nolasco.
Is Small Time based on a true story?
Small Time is not based on a specific true story. Writer-director Joel Surnow drew on the colorful, morally flexible world of used car sales to craft an original father-son drama. The characters and situations feel grounded and authentic, but they spring from fiction rather than documented real events.
Who directed Small Time and what else have they done?
Joel Surnow directed and wrote Small Time. He's best known as the co-creator and executive producer of the hit TV series 24, the real-time thriller starring Kiefer Sutherland. Small Time marks a notable shift in tone for Surnow, trading espionage tension for intimate, character-driven comedy-drama.
What is the age rating for Small Time?
Small Time is rated R, so it's intended for adult audiences. The rating reflects the film's frank language and the rough-edged humor of the used car lot world. It's not a family-friendly watch, but teens and adults who enjoy character-driven comedies with a bit of edge should find it entertaining.
What movies are similar to Small Time?
If Small Time hits the spot, you might enjoy Almost Friends (2017), Sometimes Always Never (2019), or Uncorked (2020) — all of which explore father-son dynamics with warmth and a touch of melancholy. Landline (2017) and XX/XY (2002) also share that indie, relationship-focused sensibility.
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