We live in an age where Hollywood is defined by the visions of the Michael Bay’s and Roland Emmerich’s in the director’s chair. It’s all about big explosions, crazy chases and hot chicks. Now don’t get me wrong, I love “Transformers” as much as the next guy. However, modern movies seem to be missing the point as to why film is such an art — it’s a portal to see true people and ideas and one the best vehicles for conveying a story with heart. Apparently, Michael Gondry is in the same boat as I am. His films “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and now “Be Kind Rewind” are two of the most heartfelt and intimate movies made in the past decade.
In this new adventure, Jerry (Jack Black) and Mike (Mos Def) both work in a rundown New Jersey neighborhood video rental store aptly named Be Kind Rewind. The store’s owner, Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover), goes out of town on a personal errand for a week and leaves Mike in charge of the store. However, Jerry becomes unintentionally magnetized through a rather hilarious mishap and ends up erasing all the VHS cassettes in the store (yes, VHS still exists). When customers demand their films, Mike and Jerry have no choice but to begin re-filming classic movies on a handheld camera and renting them out as though they were originals.
However unique and interesting the story is, Black’s acting really makes this movie shine. The man is a comedic Midas, and his reprisals of classic roles in the “remakes” of the film are hilarious and original. Think about Black in a dress and bonnet recreating “Driving Miss Daisy” while yelling constantly at Mos Def. Comedic gold.
However star-studded the cast may be, this film’s true star quality is its story. Gondry has written an incredible story that really takes a look at why people enjoy movies so much. It’s not about the effects or explosions, but telling a story and communicating a message to the viewer. Truly being affected by a tale that may seem odd but with the help of some friends (or clever screenwriters), everything works out in the end.
Every girl reading this remembers the first time she saw “Titanic,” probably a tear or two were shed when Kate whispered “I’ll never let go” as she let Leo glide to the icy abyss. Guys only need to hear one word: “Rocky.” There’s a reason you still hear “Eye of the Tiger” all over frat row. Films are truly a universal language in this respect and everybody remembers cheering for Luke Skywalker and booing (or in some cases loving) the dastardly Darth Vader as he told Luke he was his father in Cloud City. Even though the occasional Michael Bay film may be great, we keep returning to the local movie theater week after week to hear stories that make us think, our emotions run wild and our hearts flutter.
But “Be Kind Rewind” is definitely one of the best films of the spring and well worth the admission. Although you may not write a large pontification on the purpose and allure of films as I unabashedly have, you’ll definitely enjoy the ups and downs of the movie and remember the unique story for years to come.
