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Be Kind Rewind is Michel Gondry's latest attempt at creative cinematic surrealism. After Eternal Sunshine's critical success, Gondry still attempts to escape the overwhelming shadow that is Charlie Kaufman to prove once again that he is able to depict such a well-received world of imagination without Kaufman's writing. Now, I loved the Science of Sleep. It was both touching and inventive, but the burden of the film fell heavily on the actors. Mexican performer, Gael Garcia Bernal, was able to manipulate each scene to fit his on-screen persona as well as match the overall theme of the film. Therefore, Be Kind Rewind represents Michel Gondry's endeavor at mainstream success with a similar theme, though using different methods.

Be Kind Rewind's story is simple: Mike and Jerry re-shoot their library of classic VHS tapes for the public. This story becomes a bit more complex when muddled with many subplots and useless asides that all becomes tied together with a subplot of a confused landmark debate regarding legendary musician, Fats Waller. The story is so unfocused that by the finale of the film, the audience is left disinterested with the Fats Waller story and generally annoyed with the confusion.

The acting is above par, especially when you consider that the majority of the extras and side characters were all local Passaic residents. Jack Black, the weakest actor of the bunch, tends to go overboard with a few of his physical comedic routines, but much like Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine, he generally shows much restraint to perform his character's persona. Mos Def is spot on as a socially-inept dreamer who gets way over his head. The less prominent roles were performed well, most notably Melonie Diaz who plays the new employee of the store.

The only flaws in the characters were the characters themselves, as there was almost no characterization throughout the film. The audience becomes detached with Mike and Jerry as they know nothing about them. With this in mind, it makes sense that whenever a plot turn is in motion, the audience is either left confused as to the characters' intentions or disinterested in the development.

Although many negative remarks can be made about the characters, the only character that truly stays in the audience's hearts and minds are the films. These "Sweded" films that Jerry and Mike create are the real show-stealer and capture most of the attention, laughter and creativity of the film. Each one becomes more ambitious and exciting as you are left with a truly anti-climactic "last film" and the desire to see more of Jerry and Mike's work.

When the credits are rolling and you have a moment to soak in what you've seen and wonder if you enjoyed it, you won't be disappointed. For as much as the film is unfocused and undisciplined, it is also a feel-good fun movie that brings on the laughs aplenty. In the end, Michele Gondry did not succeed at creating another brilliant story that will touch the hearts of many, but he was able to bring a small but enjoyable dose of his incredible talent to a mass-scale audience. Kudos.

It seems that Stardust Memories does not get the credit that it truly deserves. Everyone has such distaste for this film because they thought that this was an autobiography and it was Woody's attack on his fans/critics. Woody himself has said many times that this is not the case, but even if it were, I believe that the fans/critics deserve to be lowered down a peg. After all, Woody's interpretation of his fans (via Fellini's style of awkward and hilarious faces) is valid. Fans and critics alike should never have verbally abused him so much after the release of Interiors (1978). Why should directors be type-casted? Let him have his freedom! After all, Interiors wasn't such a bad movie. It was different, but not bad. Stardust Memories has also been accused of Woody's most self-indulgent film, but this is an outrage. All of Woody's films have something to do with his personal life, but if he had casted someone like John Cusack as Sandy Bates, then everyone would have stopped complaining about it's self-indulgence and start understanding how much of a creative genius Woody Allen is. Overall, Stardust Memories will be one of his films that lasts; but only time will tell.