JEANNE’S REVIEW

Using Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel, “Mickey 7” as the basis, writer/director Bong Joon Ho’s newest film, MICKEY 17, is a sci-fi dark comedy set on the ice planet Niflheim. Looking to leave Earth as soon as possible, Bong’s protagonist, Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), signs up for a new job as an “expendable” without reading the fine print.

As it turns out, Mickey, who is somewhat of a loser, has agreed to die for a living. But not to worry, every time Mickey is put through some awful experience that ends in his demise, he undergoes the process of human printing. It’s kind of like printing a piece of paper --- only the lab people on the spaceship are printing out humans.

Along on this wild ride is Timo (Steven Yeun), Mickey’s friend since they were in an orphanage together. He’s the reason the two of them had to evacuate Earth in a hurry. Nasha (Naomi Ackie), a security officer on the ship, is Mickey’s faithful paramour. She’s smarter and more capable than Mickey, but she is undeniably drawn to him despite his foibles.

The leader of the cult, I mean group on the ship sent to colonize Niflheim is Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo), a failed politician, with a devoted wife, Ylfa (Toni Collette), who keeps him focused. He’s such a wacko narcissist --- kind of like someone who shall remain nameless --- who makes all things about him. And when Mickey 17 is believed dead and a Mickey 18 is printed, Kenneth is hellbent on killing them both.

There’s just one problem. Niflheim is inhabited by creatures who are part insect and part mammal. Marshall has named them Creepers --- because they are rather creepy. They are ruled by Mama Creeper, the largest in the colony. She actually saves Mickey 17 instead of killing him, and now two of her Babies, who are about the size of a koala bear, have been captured. Mama Creeper is counting on Mickey 17 to save them --- or else.

Bong’s screenplay is very innovative and, at times, darkly amusing. Recognized for his past successes, especially PARASITE (2019), which won Oscars for Best Picture, Best International Film and Best Director, MICKEY 17 hits on some cylinders and misses on others. The setup is a little clumsy, but once Mickey realizes what he’s signed up for, things become more interesting.

After multiple reprints, the lab crew doesn’t even bother paying attention, to the point that the newly printed Mickey ends up on the floor. The running joke revolves around everyone he meets asking him what it’s like to die. Mickey isn’t particularly fond of that question.

The film does lag in the middle, so at two hours and 17 minutes, there is definitely an argument to be made for tighter editing. The pace picks up again when the Creepers make their stand and Marshall is convinced he can save the day. But is it enough to save Bong’s movie?

The cast is amazing --- and totally committed. Pattinson leads the way with a stellar performance. His nerdy, quiet Mickey 17 is the antithesis to the snarky, confident Mickey 18. Pattinson was filmed playing both Mickeys using a quick switch with his double. He and Ackie exude a believable chemistry --- they’re very sweet together.

Ruffalo and Collette are an absolute hoot. Their lovey-dovey act is sincere --- and a riot. They are both so accomplished in playing a variety of roles and as these two nut jobs, they don’t disappoint.

Per usual, Bong’s attention to detail is incredible. The production designs by Fiona Crombie and set decorations by Alice Felton are what we would expect of a future world. And conceptual artist Heechul Jang, a frequent collaborator with Bong, was responsible for the intimidating Creepers design.

It's difficult to say what Bong Joon Ho’s most ardent fans will think of MICKEY 17. It’s inventive --- it’s creative --- it’s out there.

Opinion: Mild See It Now!

DAVID’S REVIEW

Moviegoers who literally love science fiction will most appreciate MICKEY 17 which is set in the year 2054. It is written and directed by Bong Joon Ho based on the novel “Mickey 7” by Edward Ashton. Bong is a triple Oscar winner for his 2019 Best Picture winner PARASITE.

This movie relies heavily on a fictional process called human printing. People 29 years in the future volunteer for risky, life-threatening assignments for the betterment of humankind. They recognize the dangers and know in advance they will die --- many times over. That’s why they are called “expendables”.

Robert Pattinson plays one of these characters, and he is designated Mickey 17 because he has died a total of 16 times prior. His body and all his memories are regenerated intact via a human printing machine. Pattinson does a remarkable job portraying Mickey 17 (a.k.a. Mickey Barnes) as well as Mickey 18, with both Mickeys, at one point, sharing the screen at the same time.

Pattinson heads a cast of 47 characters, many of whom have speaking parts. Most of the other cast members may not be familiar to regular moviegoers, but Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo are obviously well known. And Bong’s behind-the-scenes crew boasts a bevy of past Oscar winners and nominees.

Collette and Ruffalo as Ylfa and Kenneth Marshall are a married couple who are leaders of the inhabitants on the spaceship going to planet Niflheim. Marshall’s character is really unhinged --- basically behaving like a raving maniac. Collette is hugely entertaining as the strong-willed spouse who quietly directs her obnoxious husband in all things by whispering in his ear.

At one point, Mickey 17’s brazen but likeable love interest, Nasha (Naomi Ackie), has the temerity to call Marshall an idiot when they argue about some strange creatures called Creepers, aptly named by Marshall himself. She is the only one with the spine to stand up to Marshall. And Steven Yeun plays Timo, a childhood buddy of Mickey Barnes who is present on the ship.

Speaking of Creepers --- grotesque beings which come in three sizes, Babies, Juniors and one Mama Creeper --- MICKEY 17 contains some unusual special effects. After a tedious start, the story goes into high gear and moves quickly, including scenes where Mickey 17 finds himself in the middle of a stampede of Creepers.

MICKEY 17 boasts some laugh-out-loud moments to lighten the mood, but it would be difficult to recommend Bong’s film to anyone but his most loyal fans or serious sci-fi addicts. On that score, the movie has a good chance to make back its significant budget of $118,000,000.

Opinion: Mild See It Now!