Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
3/4
Unusually Touching
Franz Patrick - wrote on 08/17/2008
Even though far from perfect in most respects, I’ve come to profusely adore this film. Not only is it funny because of the two leads (Jack Black and Mos Def), it’s a tribute to motion pictures, all the characters are likeable in their own way, and there’s a great message about the power of films which is directly related to the bond among communities. There’s an undeniable imagination that drives the picture which is then reflected in the home movies, which turn out to be pretty interesting, laugh-out-loud funny, or both. Nevertheless, I think that the writing could have been much sharper which could then have elevated the movie in a whole new level. For instance, I wanted to know more about Black and Def’s lives outside of the video rental place. How are their relationships …
Rating of
3/4
Be kind to yourself: don't expect too much
kcvidkid - wrote on 07/01/2008
Oh, how I wanted "Be Kind Rewind" to be my favorite movie ever. Never has a concept so closely matched my background and interests. I guess there was really no way for me to NOT be disappointed.
The plot takes too long to set-up, when I wish it had dispensed with all logical explanation and gotten into the silliness faster. I don't really care WHY Jack Black and Mos Def have to recreate famous movies when the inventory of a video store is destroyed; I just want to see them do it. The set-up is overly contrived: it could have been something as simple as a fire, but no, there is an elaborate mishap that seems to take up half the movie.
I shouldn't fault the movie for trying to be more than it really is, and it does have an awfully sweet wrap-up. I guess the ultimate tone just …
Rating of
2.5/4
Unique film, funnier than anticipated.
TheWolf - wrote on 03/26/2008
First let me say that I thought this film was better than I expected. To be honest I didn't go into the theater with high expectations. I was thinking that the best parts of the film were already shown in the previews that that would be the hardest part to accept. I like most of Jack Black's movies. Again with some comedians Jack Black is definitely an acquired taste. The cast was well chosen, the concept was very interesting. I didn't know how they would make the idea of VHS tapes being erased work because VHS is pretty much considered to be a dead media (there are kids that have never had to deal with a VCR or a Tape Deck so this concept would be lost on them all together).
I thought it was brilliant that they didn't decide to hide the fact that VHS is not that popular any longer and …
Rating of
4/4
A gift to film lovers everywhere
newmans_own - wrote on 02/25/2008
This is Gondry’s most mainstream production by far. The visual styling that made his previous films, particularly ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND and THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP, so distinctive is relegated to a few brief sections in the middle of the film and the end. But where there is less visual experimentation, there is a greater emphasis on storytelling. The film’s plot, especially in its second half, flirts with clichés but sidesteps them with its honesty and unabashed sentimentalism. It wisely goes beyond the mere premise of two guys remaking famous films, though the recreations are extremely funny. Black and Def’s version of GHOSTBUSTERS and DRIVING MISS DAISY in particular are pitch-perfect homages to everyone who reenacted their favorite films in their basements.
BE …
