“Mickey 17” Movie Review – Bong Joon-ho And Robert Pattinson Are Dying To Have Fun.

We are back. The popcorn movie season can officially begin with “Mickey 17” and for many fun reasons. Firstly and most importantly, it is the newest contribution of the award winning Bong Joon-ho since his critically acclaimed “Parasite” which was a sweeping success. Joon-ho returns with his craftsmanship efforts as writer and director of “Mickey 17” with great tools at his disposal. Those tools include a great and charismatic cast that displays a kinetic Robert Pattinson (and Robert Pattinson and Robert Pattinson and Robert Pattinson) along with Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. With a fun, talented cast and a big budget in place, could Bong Joon-ho continue his excellent track record? Yeah, he can.

“Mickey 17” is in no way capable of bringing what “Parasite” did for audiences and that’s okay. M17 is a notable, sci-fi adaptation that unapologetically has fun with its ideas and cast. Even when everything does not land so smoothly, “Mickey 17” is a great way to ignite 2025 for cinema and kicks off the Spring movie season.

Robert Pattinson and Robert Pattinson and Robert Pattinson

As mentioned above, “Mickey 17” has a cast that has an absolute blast. That rhymed. Leading the charge is the fantastic Robert Pattinson who shoulders most of the weight here with physical comedy and well shaded pathos. Personally, I have not read the novel of which this is adapted from, but Pattinson really fleshes out the character of Mickey Barnes and instantly hooks you with his layered acting. What he does here is mightily impressive and he continues to show why he is on the rise to stardom.

After Pattinson’s lead, we have a wonderful collection of silly character acting that lands well within the tonal context of the movie. Bong Joon-ho hails a very funny screenplay that is supported by the efforts of the entire cast as they lean into the entertaining premise. Most notably Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette who provide hilarity in the form of the source materials hyperbolic political commentary and fun acting decisions that come across as positively silly. They are having a blast on screen together and are highlights throughout the runtime. Naomi Ackie continues to be a very noteworthy presence and Steven Yeun is preposterously good at being a smarmy prick.

We aren’t provided with the powerhouse performances that is prevalent in most Bong Joon-ho pictures, and that’s intentional and okay. Tonally, “Mickey 17” is a dark comedy that is amplified with its very charismatic acting and directing.

Some Rocket Ships Land, Some Don’t

Not everything is perfect with “Mickey 17” as there are some flaws with its structure and ideas. Bong Joon-ho can polish shit into diamonds as he is an extremely talented auteur and, of course, that flashes throughout the film. Joon-ho, for the most part, does a good job establishing the world building and harnesses its absurdity into some well directed moments and set pieces. At times the movie lacks the discipline that he showcases in his other work, but quite possibly not by his own doing. I suspect with the numerous reshoots and delays that the studio had their input and affected the outcome of “Mickey 17.” That is logical considering it’s the biggest budget ever handed to Joon-ho, but the movie is lacking restraint at times that I wish it was displayed. Several moments could’ve been savored and developed more with deliberate pacing.

“Mickey 17” is almost never boring, but the last act drags as it is running on the fumes of its own ideas that may feel regurgitated and mainstream. The commentary comes from a good and well intended place, but it begins to grow stale as it overshadows other interestingly tragic aspects that are never fully cooked. Even Robert Pattinson is shelved a bit and that mistake is felt throughout the third act. It felt as if the movie got lost in its own sauce.

Verdict

The verdict is that you should go and see “Mickey 17” in theaters as soon as you can. Bong Joon-ho showcases an energetic sci-fi black comedy with engaging world building that includes an explosively fun premise. Robert Pattinson builds his leading actor resume even more with his endearing portrayal of Mickey Barnes and captures the spotlight in an unassailable manner. The supporting cast leans in on the tonality and are clearly having a blast on screen which is translated entertainingly well.

The issues with “Mickey 17” lie within the slowness of the last act and its ideas that feel so rehashed and one dimensional. Though the political commentary is hilarious and objectively agreeable, it is joined by other stale subtext that overshadows other interesting aspects that never get a chance to fully blossom.

Bottom line; “Mickey 17” is a very fun time at the cinema. It kicks off popcorn movie season and it unapologetically doesn’t move mountains. Do not expect Joon-ho’s next masterclass that will sweep award season. This is just big budget, dark fun. Nothing more, nothing less. And we think that’s fun!

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