Bong Joon-ho’s latest film, Mickey 17, marks his return to cinema after a lengthy hiatus. Featuring Robert Pattinson in a dual role, the science fiction satire delves into contemporary themes of class struggle and political critique. Audience reactions are mixed, with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5. While praised for its humor and performances, some viewers feel it lacks the narrative depth of Joon-ho’s previous works. The film invites reflection on society through its engaging storyline.
Introduction to Mickey 17
After an almost six-year wait and several delays, the moment has finally arrived: Bong Joon-ho returns to the big screen with his latest creation, Mickey 17. Known for his previous works like Okja, Snowpiercer, and The Host, this new science fiction satire explores themes that resonate deeply with contemporary society, offering a fresh perspective on class struggle, quite unlike the tone of Parasite.
Audience Reactions to Mickey 17
Robert Pattinson takes center stage in this film, showcasing his versatility in a dual role alongside a talented cast including Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, Naomi Ackie, Anamaria Vartolomei, and Steven Yeun. But how has the audience received this eagerly awaited project? With an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 from 123 reviews*, Mickey 17 starts off modestly compared to Bong Joon-ho’s previous masterpieces, such as Parasite (4.5), Memories of Murder (4.3), and Mother (4.1). However, it does edge out earlier films like Snowpiercer (3.5) and The Host (3.4).
For Robert Pattinson, the film’s rating is a departure from the heights of The Batman (4.1), which marked a pinnacle in his career. Nevertheless, it stands close to Tenet (3.6) and The Devil All the Time (3.7) within his recent filmography.
Viewer feedback has been intriguing. One user, Mr. cinetok (5 out of 5), praises it as “a pure sci-fi film” that skillfully balances humor and depth, reminiscent of the cult classic Brazil (1985). He notes its engaging narrative and meaningful commentary on humanity, calling it a joyful addition to his sci-fi collection.
Another viewer, ned123 (4 out of 5), highlights the film as a sharp political satire that critiques populism and capitalism. “Pattinson is a magnificent anti-hero traversing a declining world,” he states, emphasizing its cinematic brilliance. Sinaloc echoes this sentiment, appreciating the film’s humor and quality entertainment while acknowledging its divergence from Parasite’s tone.
BandiTwelve (4 out of 5) notes Joon-ho’s adeptness at blending comedy and tragedy, praising his ability to maintain the right emotional tone throughout the film. Meanwhile, MFede (4 out of 5) commends the director’s skillful transition from drama to comedy, remarking on the excellent performances and the film’s important messages.
At the core of Mickey 17 is Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Mickey, an ‘expendable’ character whose body regenerates after death while retaining his memories. Ned123 elaborates on the complex plot that unfolds when Mickey 17 encounters his successor, Mickey 18, leading to a thrilling mix of love, betrayal, and survival. BandiTwelve calls Pattinson’s performance “a remarkable masterclass,” emphasizing his ability to evoke both laughter and empathy.
Despite some division in opinions, Mark Ruffalo’s performance has charmed many viewers, with some noting that the film may feel like a mashup of Joon-ho’s earlier works. Naughty Doc (3.5 out of 5) mentions that while the film carries themes familiar to Joon-ho’s filmography, it sometimes lacks originality.
In contrast, others have expressed disappointment, such as Raphaël Raccio (3 out of 5), who felt that Mickey 17 fell short of the narrative coherence and emotional depth of Joon-ho’s past masterpieces. He describes it as visually striking but lacking in fluidity and clarity, leaving viewers with a sense of incompleteness.
As the discourse around Mickey 17 continues, it is clear that Bong Joon-ho’s latest creation is a polarizing yet thought-provoking addition to his illustrious filmography. With a blend of humor, social critique, and captivating performances, it invites audiences to reflect on its deeper messages while enjoying the cinematic experience.