Mickey 17 Movie Review: Unpacking the Wild Yet Relatable Premise of This Must-Watch Film

Mickey 17 Review {3.0/5}

Director: Bong Joon Ho

Synopsis:
Mickey 17 is a wild ride set in the future. It follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), who, after failing at a macron restaurant, joins a space program funded by the wealthy Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo). Unbeknownst to Mickey, he signs up as an ‘Expandable,’ meaning his memories and body can be recreated if he dies. Assigned to a new planet called Nilfheim, he faces danger head-on, dying 16 times along the way. However, when Mickey survives an encounter that should have killed him, the team mistakenly creates a clone, Mickey 18. Chaos ensues when the two come face to face.

Story Review:
Based on Edward Ashton’s book ‘Mickey 7,’ Bong Joon Ho crafts a unique and engaging tale. The film kicks off with a captivating premise and maintains viewer interest through witty dialogue. While it starts slow, building up the story, things rapidly accelerate once the two Mickeys meet. One standout scene involves an awkward dinner with interesting dynamics.

After the intermission, the pace remains lively, but the film’s villain feels somewhat underwhelming. Although he’s depicted as a major threat, the protagonists seem to overtake him too easily.

Performances:
Robert Pattinson excels in portraying the varying personalities of the multiple Mickeys. Mark Ruffalo offers one of his best performances, bringing depth to his quirky character. Toni Collette supports him well with an equally engaging role. Naomi Ackie stands out, especially in the scene with both Mickeys. Other cast members, like Anamaria Vartolomei and Cameron Britton, add to the film’s richness.

Music and Technical Aspects:
Jung Jae-il’s music complements the film well, adding an operatic touch that fits the story. The cinematography by Darius Khondji is visually appealing, focusing on character interactions rather than grand visuals. The production design and costumes serve the narrative beautifully. The action sequences feel realistic, enhanced by impressive VFX, while Yang Jin-mo’s editing keeps the film crisp.

Conclusion:
In summary, Mickey 17 presents a quirky yet relatable adventure packed with humor and strong performances. While its buzz may be low, Bong Joon Ho’s direction and the film’s intriguing premise should attract viewers eager for fresh storytelling.