Be Kind Rewind

[Tobias March]

Has no one here seen this? On my way to the cinema I ran into a flatmate I knew once, who grabbed me and loudly insisted that Be Kind Rewind is fantastic. When I left the cinema and immediately rang a mate and proclaimed much the same.

Sure one could argue it's today's version of Cinema Paradiso, but I think Gondry is exploring something deeper than that. It's not so much nostalgia for nostalgia's sake as much as awakening a passion for film in people so that they in turn will make their own movies!

I was really impressed with Mos Def in this actually. Black on Both Sides is a favourite album of mine, so I spent to long gawking as Mos on the big screen - but once I got over that I noticed he was playing the now archetypal Gondry shut in character, quizzical, insecure, neurotic and occasionally explosive.

Jack Black even pulls some new tricks out of his hat (which is a relief, as he's too often relied upon to return to the same schtick). His character is quite selfish at times and oblivious to how he affects others.

Course the plot hangs on this, as he is responsible for setting off the events which lead to the two guys 'sweding', films like Ghost Busters, Driving Miss Daisy and Rush Hour 2. Still there's a refreshing hint of darkness to this confection, which makes it a guilt free 'feel good' movie. I didn't feel my emotions were cynically manipulated - rather my response to the film was a sincere reaction.

Oh and Danny Glover once again owns his role.

[Cyke]

I plan on watching this film very soon, but the impression I'm getting from the reviews is that a film that you *really* want to like but just can't.

It reminds me of way back when, when everyone and their moms praised Napolean Dynamite, and I just couldn't, even though I could see its heart was in the right place.

[DWEarhart]

Will be watching this tomorrow.

[Tobias March]

I plan on watching this film very soon, but the impression I'm getting from the reviews is that a film that you *really* want to like but just can't.

It reminds me of way back when, when everyone and their moms praised Napolean Dynamite, and I just couldn't, even though I could see its heart was in the right place.

I think Gondry divides a lot of people. I really enjoyed the Science of Sleep, but I know folk who hated it. So there you are.

[Infernorhythm]

I saw this at this years Sundance, and I've got to say: it rocks. Hilarious, touching, and surprisingly unique. Definitely check it out.

[DWEarhart]

Good film. The beginning was very shakey for me, but once the meat of the story kicked in I was pretty much hooked.

It looked like the the cast had a lot of fun making it. Jack Black's character wasn't a complete departure for him but rather a tweaked version of his typical cinematic-self.

Mos Def kicked ass, and Danny Glover brought the goods. I teared up at the end. The genuine love for movies and communities came through, I thought.

[Your Imaginary Pal]

if nothing else, it's inspirational.
a lot of it not so logical, as far as story progression goes. But the characters are so rich and off-beat you can't help but be drawn in. I mean, they made Passaic NJ look like a back water town trapped in a time bubble.

[Cash Lone]

Saw it last night. HATED IT. I really wish someone could have told me before hand how godawful it is and save the $21

I didnt laugh. I didnt enjoy the characters - I found them to be stupid. I didnt like the dialogue. I didnt like the fake movies. I didnt like the internal logic the movie displayed. I didnt like how the movie was set up a lame zany comedy then took an even worse turn into snoozeville.

and i dont want to hear about how it's heartfelt and people discovering the magic of movies. already saw a better version of that theme - its called Ed Wood.

[Your Imaginary Pal]

some things are better at a matinee

[Cash Lone]

some thing are best not filmed.

[Tobias March]

some thing are best not filmed.

Like Transformers....that was just awful.

[Cash Lone]

Like Transformers....that was just awful.

agreed. though i did enjoy the cartoon movie from the mid 80's.

[ultramandingo]

........ the premise alone - it genius . pretty sure this film never got any where near any test marketing audiance - wich is refreshing . it coulda used more "sweaded " tapes , and less of jack blacks magnetic piss - heck id rather just watch their version of 2001 or the umbrellas of cherbourg

[MNM]

This film was nowhere near as funny or as good as the previews made it out to be. I did not enjoy it.

[Sean Whitmore]

I didnt laugh. I didnt enjoy the characters - I found them to be stupid. I didnt like the dialogue. I didnt like the fake movies. I didnt like the internal logic the movie displayed. I didnt like how the movie was set up a lame zany comedy then took an even worse turn into snoozeville.

Pretty much, yeah.

You know a movie about an underdog has lost its way when you start thinking, in the middle of the movie: "Y'know, Danny Glover's pretty stupid. He kinda deserves to lose his store."


SEAN

[SPAfreak]

Pretty much, yeah.

You know a movie about an underdog has lost its way when you start thinking, in the middle of the movie: "Y'know, Danny Glover's pretty stupid. He kinda deserves to lose his store."


SEAN

The worst part was at the end when he said that he'd agreed to sell the store and that they were going to pocket all of the donated money. That just kind of peed all over any enjoyment I took of the movie which, to be fair, was pretty sporadic up to that point anyway.

[Captain_Video]

I have to say I enjoyed this quite a lot, it may have just struck me in the right mood ( I doubt it though ) but it is nice to see a Kapra-Esque modern movie, the subject matter implies that you would have to approach it ironically and that it should be very snarky, so it was very refreshing to see that Gondry wanted to go in a different route, a very earnest and sincere route, it took a lot of guts as the somewhat negative reaction proves.

I thought it was funny, charming, sweet and original.