Mickey 17

Bong Jongho's next wide-screen project since his historic win at the Oscar's is rather a big let-down.

For such an intriguing premise, we should have been promised a story with colorful development and of gray morality, and yet were presented with such an obviously black-and-white good-triumphing-over-evil Hollywood movie.

The morality of science? The definition of one's self? The Ship of Theseus paradox? Like, such a wasted opportunity to explore the multitude of questions. I guess it's my fault to expect too much.

Robert Pattinson and Toni Collette are amazing, though. Brilliant camera work and visual effects.

Mickey 17 is such a wasted opportunity and for me the first big disappointment of 2025. It's 140' of nothing! A movie that constantly talks but doesn't actually say anything of value. It just has all these big ideas that end up nowhere and at times its only saving grace is some moments of levity that are really funny.

It's a science fiction movie that never explores its themes. What does it say about cloning? About colonization? It touches these subjects, sure, but it's so shallow.

Robert Pattinson is fine but I think he's wasted in this. All the different versions of Mickey are also supposed to have different personalities but aside from 17 and 18 (as seen in the trailer) the previous 16 all act the same, even though the movie says that have different characteristics. But even that doesn't matter because we never get to see all the different Mickeys aside from a quick montage.

Also, let me say that the use of narration in this movie is egregious. It doesn't enhance the experience, it's just filler to cover the silence.

Finally, it's so boring! Boring visuals, boring sci-fi elements, boring creature designs, no unique aesthetic, no nothing.

Let's start with the obvious-while "Mickey 17" offers plenty of social commentary, it falls short of the sharp satire and intelligent (class) critique that made "Parasite" a modern masterpiece. Instead, what we get is a sci-fi parody that explores humanity's vanity and self-destruction, yet for some reason, it never truly feels like it takes place in a distant future.

*** Robert Pattinson delivers another strong performance, continuing his streak of unique and compelling roles. He has successfully reshaped his career, moving far beyond his early days, and frankly, we prefer him this way. His unexpected comedic side is a revelation, adding a fresh layer to his performance. Mark Ruffalo also shines, delivering a performance reminiscent of his role in Poor Things, with certain expressions and mannerisms subtly evoking Trump.

*** The production is undeniably grand and expensive, evident in its visually striking yet occasionally excessive scenes. The film often gives off a sense of familiarity-as if we've seen these themes before. The idea for example that we are the real aliens and "monsters" is hardly new, and at times, the script leans too heavily on familiar concepts explored already by many movies.

*** While Mickey 17 is a solid film, it's far from a masterpiece. Perhaps the biggest challenge is that Bong Joon-ho has set the bar so high that anything less than exceptional feels like a slight let-down. There's a lingering sense that something is missing-a sharper edge, a deeper impact, or a more innovative twist.

Nothing incredibly groundbreaking, and a little heavy handed with the satire, but a fun ride and well shot, with all of the "I shouldn't laugh at this but I am" that you'd expect

I am guilty, as many others will be, of comparing this to Parasite. Doing so is doing the movie a disservice. From Bong Joon Ho I was not expecting a silly black comedy that would have the whole theater laughing. Accept and enjoy it and you'll have a great time.

Although I felt like I was getting slapped in the face with the Trump satire, it still hit pretty well and got a good few laughs out of me.

After all this, I'm still wondering what the sauce is about...

Where to start with this film, well one of them would be it topped the scales, of brilliance and bonded every element strategically well, to form a superb spectacle on great proportions. What I mean by bonded and strategically put, is the fact the movie blends in the "Expandable" and the villainous arc, which both characters were set-up exceedingly well.

One of the career best performances by Robert Pattinson, who blends the weird tones, the cheerful tone, and the darker tones with his effortlessly great voice-overs and he dominates every scene he's in, his movement his body language and his voice, he takes every scene he's in and dominates it, like wow. And the layers of character-growth spials from great to epic. His anger is also portrayed brilliantly, with a lighter and more subtle tone that would progress more into the latter stages of the film. Although, I'd of liked to of seen more of what he was running away from, as that was the main set-up. And I think it would of improved his arc, but saying that It was a Perfect jumping on point. And the Doppelganger stuff is fun.

The Icelandic planet is great, the aliens are cool and do pose a threat, I'd of liked to of seen more action though, as he does die too easily at times, and it was quite abit. However apart from that the designs are brilliant, I like the dark and grittier one that has sharp teeth, it does have that threat and the real danger posed, and everything played out well.

Villains main threat is taking people hostage, by completing his work he becomes a leader of the country, and that's what I meant when both arcs were crafted, or in my own terms strategically placed to feel the misery, the desire and the Power to tack control. Whilst nothing was extended, the final act showed his strength and brutality when he comes face to face with one of the specimens, creatures.

It's a fun space adventure, that has great acting and voice work in the lens of Pattinson, which I really enjoyed hearing, as I said he was fantastic. And the performances were mostly solid and fluid throughout.

I'd rate this film an 8 Because it blends sci-fi, action and drama into the role really well.