MICKEY 17 – “Robert Pattinson keeps things effortlessly entertaining—despite a (mostly) messy narrative”

RATING

DIRECTOR
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
MAIN CAST
• Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes
• Naomi Ackie as Nasha Adjaya
• Steven Yeun as Timo
• Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall
• Toni Collette as Gwendolyn
SYNOPSIS
It is based on the 2022 novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton.
A disposable employee is sent on a human expedition to colonize the ice world Niflheim. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact.
REVIEW SUMMARY
In Mickey 17, director Bong Joon-ho’s follow-up to his Best Picture-winning Parasite, Robert Pattinson keeps things effortlessly entertaining—despite a (mostly) messy narrative. And, while it is packed with sci-fi thrills, at its core, the film is a dark comedy through and through. The wild, offbeat adventure at hand ensures that the laughs keep coming. Perhaps not in an “all-out laugh riot” kind of way, but definitely in a consistently amusing manner. Much of that amusement comes from the film’s sharp social commentary and layered themes. However, the political satire is admittedly heavy-handed - shining a light on corruption and the perils of blind devotion to false leaders. At the same time, the story emphasizes that everyone (and everything) has value. And, among these weighty themes, there’s also a love story woven in. Yep, it’s a lot, but Bong masterfully balances it all, keeping the film sharp and engaging, never letting it feel like a chore to watch. Visually, Mickey 17 is stunning, with impressive production design that enhances the experience tenfold. The film is further elevated by a fantastic cast, led by an especially cheeky Robert Pattinson, who, let me tell you, fully commits to his eccentric performance as the many Mickeys. His choice of “voice” alone is something to behold. Plus, Toni Collette gleefully hams it up, Mark Ruffalo channels a not-so-subtle approximation of Donald Trump, and Naomi Ackie adds a spark of giddy energy to the mix. So, while Mickey 17 isn’t some seriously deep scientific exploration of cloning and intergalactic discoveries, it certainly delivers plenty of fun while tackling a handful of meaningful themes. Trust me, its got lots to say – and I say you should definitely check it out!
BOX OFFICE TOP 5

7.5
Paddington in Peru
$3.9 million