MICKEY 17 - It's Wild, Wacky, and Weird

By : Edgar Allan E. Yu 

MICKEY 17 is the next film from South Korea Director Bong Joon-Ho after his Oscar-winning film "Parasite". Mickey Barnes applied as an expendable, sent to a dangerous mission to colonize an ice planet. Everytime he dies, he is bio-printed or cloned to do the same work, over and over again. 

"Mickey 17" presents an interesting concept that piques curiosity from the outset. However, the story-telling ultimately falls short, leaving viewers feeling a bit lost amidst its ambitious narrative. While the production design and cinematography shine with impressive visuals that immerse the audience in this unique world, the execution of the plot leaves much to be desired.

Robert Pattinson delivers a standout performance as Mickey, showcasing multiple layers of his character that make him both relatable and intriguing. His ability to navigate complex emotions is commendable and adds depth to the film. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same with the supporting cast. Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal comes off as over-the-top with an exaggerated delivery that detracts from his character's credibility. Toni Collette's performance as the boss' wife also veers into odd territory without providing substantial context or development. Naomi Ackie's role as Mickey's girlfriend feels strangely disconnected from the main narrative, while Steven Yeun is disappointingly underutilized with minimal screen time that fails to leave a lasting impact.

 

Given Bong Joon-Ho’s reputation for masterful storytelling, it’s disheartening to see such potential squandered in “Mickey 17.” This film could have been a remarkable addition to his filmography but instead serves as a reminder of how critical coherent storytelling is in realizing an interesting concept fully.     

Photo credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

@warnerbrosph

#Mickey17