Molly Martling

This week, acclaimed writer-director Kevin Smith releases his nostalgic new film, The 4:30 Movie, a heartfelt coming-of-age story with a soundtrack by award-winning composer Bear McCreary. Known for his dynamic compositions across film and television, McCreary brings an authentic 1980s-inspired score to the film, drawing on his expertise in blending cinematic themes with period music styles. The original soundtrack, filled with ’80s synths, hair-metal riffs, and dramatic orchestration, is now available on all major streaming platforms via Sparks & Shadows Records.

Set in the mid-1980s, The 4:30 Movie follows three sixteen-year-old friends (Austin Zajur, Nicholas Cirillo, and Reed Northrup) as they spend their Saturdays sneaking into the local movie theater to catch the latest releases. But when one of the boys invites his crush (Siena Agudong) to join them, the simple day turns into a formative experience where each character learns lessons about life, friendship, and young love. Smith shot the film at his very own Smodcastle Cinemas in New Jersey, a cinema he frequented as a teen, creating an authentic setting that’s inextricably tied to the film’s storyline. For Smith, the project isn’t just a tribute to the era’s movies but to the way cinemas shaped young lives.

The 4:30 Movie marks the third collaboration between Smith and McCreary. The duo previously worked together on the star-studded animated Netflix series Masters of the Universe: Revelation and its follow-up, Masters of the Universe: Revolution. With a track record of successful projects, their latest endeavor dives even deeper into musical nostalgia.

Reflecting on the project, Smith describes McCreary’s score as a “sonic salute to the ’80s,” bringing audiences back to the retro atmosphere of 1986. “Bear McCreary made magic with The 4:30 Movie, composing a score that’s as much a time tunnel to 1986 as it is a joyful celebration of classic cinema,” Smith says. The film’s closing theme, “24 Karat Case of Love,” was written and recorded by McCreary alongside his brother Brendan. Smith calls it “the greatest ’80s radio hit that never happened!”

McCreary himself expressed enthusiasm for scoring Smith’s vision, noting the opportunity to channel ’80s musical trends through a modern cinematic lens. “I was thrilled to join Kevin on this nostalgic odyssey back to the 1980s,” McCreary said. “Inspired by his sweet-natured story, I had a blast writing a synth-soaked score oozing with arpeggios, drum machines, and hair-metal riffs, backed with classic symphonic orchestration.” McCreary highlights “Astroblaster and the Beaver Men,” a track that he and Brendan crafted to evoke an ’80s sci-fi rock vibe, as well as “24 Karat Case of Love,” which he describes as “a lost synth-pop gem from the neon-tinged summer of 1986.”

Listeners can immerse themselves in McCreary’s The 4:30 Movie soundtrack on all digital platforms. Click HERE to listen.

For more information on The 4:30 Movie visit https://the430.movie/