Writer/Director Michel Gondry is back with his newest odd-ball comedy "Be Kind Rewind." Already guilty in having his genius shine in some of my most enjoyed films, such as "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "The Science of Sleep," and "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" Gondry has a style and mind of his own. One of my favorite reviews I read about the film after I saw it was by the Chicago Tribune. As I read it, I became worried that they somehow were able to read my mind and write my thoughts onto paper. The review says, "Gondry's misses are more interesting than most filmmakers' successes." Those could be the truest words ever written, and I agree with it entirely. Though not one of Gondry's best, this film is definitely a must see for fans of this wonderful filmmaker.
Having to go out of town for a short period of time, Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover) the owner of the "Be Kind Rewind" video store, asks his employee Mike (Mos Def) if he can watch the store for him for a few days. Mike appreciative of the responsibility handed to him by Mr. Fletcher, agrees to be in charge until his return. Mr. Fletcher's main concern is Mike's friend Jerry (Jack Black), but Mike soon finds out that Jerry is just the beginning of a problem that needs a solution as fast as possible. Jerry, whose brain becomes magnetized, returns to the video store one night, just like he does every other night, and this time unintentionally erases every copy of every movie in the store. Now, in order to save the store, and satisfy the most loyal customers that "Be Kind Rewind" has, which include an aging woman (Mia Farrow) and some teenagers from the block, Mike and Jerry set out to remake 20 minute versions of all the lost films. Beginning with "Ghostbuster" and ranging all the way to "The Lion King," "Boyz N the Hood," "Driving Miss Daisy," "Rush Hour 2," and "Robocop" to name a few.
The remakes are hilarious! As soon as Jack Black becomes magnetized the laughs commence. As I mentioned earlier, it is not one of Gondry's best, however, still very fun to watch. A few dull moments are sprinkled here and there, but all in all, the movie has soul, heart, and a pinch of originality thanks to Gondry and the wonderful supporting cast. One of my favorite parts is when Mos Def and Jack Black realized they need a female lead in a few of the movies and set out to find one, eventually casting Melonie Diaz who plays Alma in the film. She is amazing. Being a Gondry fan, I enjoyed the film. I would have loved to see more movies that they remade, but I was rather satisfied.
Pat the Movie Critic gives "Be Kind Rewind" --- 3 1/2 Scoops.
