When Jerry, a junkyard worker, attempts to sabotage a power plant that he is convinced is melting his brain, something goes terribly wrong. In the process of his sabotage Jerry is affected by a magnetic field that he creates, one that ends up erasing all of the tapes in a local video store where his best friend Mike works. In fear for Mike's job, the duo decides to take matters into their own hands, by recreating the erased films for their only loyal customer, Miss. Falewicz. But when Miss. Falewicz shows a video to her grandson a huge demand is created, causing both Mike and Jerry to become the stars of the neighborhood. But will the two become big enough to save the video store from the city's demolition truck'or will their success be cut short? Either way, both Mike and Jerry are in over their heads as there seems to be way too many movies and not nearly enough time to please their growing fan base.
Using the comedic talent of Jack Black and a clever and original story Be Kind Rewind comes across as both funny and up-lifting in its attempt to provide a new, fresh outlook on the bonds and friendships that we all share.
The strongest aspect of this film is its story. Turning its back on sex, language and special effects, Be Kind Rewind went simple, and it worked flawlessly. The main thing that I enjoyed about the film was its simple qualities. The story wasn't confusing, it wasn't long and it wasn't pointless; instead it was real, raw and inspirational leading me to believe that great movies can be made on the simplest of terms. The film is uplifting as it relies on relationships rather than fast-paced action sequences and finds a way into your heart and soul.
In addition the story contained the perfect mixture of genres as it included just the right amount of humor and drama to appeal to everyone. Jack Black proves that he can carry a film as he gives one of his best performances of his career as the loveable yet exhausting Jerry. However Black's performance was expected, what I was most impressed and surprised by was in the form of Mos Def who served as the reliable and sane sidekick Mike. But with that said I have to commend the entire cast, including Danny Glover, Mia Farrow and even a cameo by the irreplaceable Sigourney Weaver, for their incredible on-screen chemistry. Each actor bought into the idea of the film and brought their character to screen; creating a solid, well rounded film that should be watched by one and all.
Combining the comedic talents of Jack Black with a mixed genre film is no easy task; however director Michael Gondry did just that in Be Kind Rewind. Combining humor with drama and getting a personal best from Jack Black, the film scores high and is truly a must see by everyone, no matter their age.
