Gonger Reviews: Mid90's

Starring: Sunny Suljic (BOY! LOLOLOLOLO, inside joke), Na-Kel Smith, Olan Prenatt, Gio Galicia, Ryder McLaughlin, Lucas Hedges and Katherine Waterston.

Synopsis: It’s a skateboard odyssey!

Soundtrack: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross embody the 90’s with a hazy score that drenches the scenes and gives a true sense of setting. Horror film makers should take note of the use of sound effects to create suspense in this film as it adds to the drama in the aftermath of a wicked slam or a devastating evet. If one was to close their eyes and just listen to this flick it would be a experience of its own! Well done! 2/2

Acting: This is a character drama and this young cast gives us powerfully rich performances that truly have this critic taken aback. Kids aren’t supposed to be this good at acting! I have a feeling it comes from Jonah Hill’s directing but more on that later. I’d like to single out a single performance as best but this is a strong ensemble and the players work off each other masterfully! 2/2

Cinematography: Let’s talk shop, this flick has an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and from what I can find is shot on super 16. Risky! Typical films, indie and blockbuster alike have aspect ratios of 2.39:1 and are shot digital. It’s cheaper and has a more cinematic look but, and I’ve been saying this for a while, why not switch it up? By using this aspect ratio and having that grainy feel to the film Christopher Blauvelt recreates not only a 90’s feel but a 90’s skate film look! I really liked the cinematography in this one. Just friggin impressive! 2/2

Writing: Jonah Hill pens a very relatable script for 90’s kids but for any one growing up in general. His situations have great risk and I found myself wanting more and more as the plot developed. He employs every tactic and uses all of his engines to give us a coming-of-age story with a completely original edge. Classic and modern. The only thing is this flick doesn’t have an ending but hold up! This flick isn’t meant to have one and I felt very satisfied by the credits. I’d say it was quite inventive writing this way and I don’t think it will be duplicated any time soon. Have I said this flick is impressive yet? 2/2

Directing: Hooboy! What a labour of love! Jonah Hill keeps it simple but fun. There is a comfort level among the cast that translates to the audience very well and helps make it relatable. You can tell this comes from the experience of Hill being a young actor himself. What’s great is although there are funny moments in the film this film is not funny at all. It’s feel good and bad. It’s life! And there is a deep rooted message in it that I can get behind. The flick is effortless but Hill takes great care in crafting it for the audience. I can’t wait for a follow up! 2/2

And that makes the first 10/10 of the year! Sure Phantom Thread took home a 13/10 but come on! Thats supposed to be a high rating flick. This flick was predicted as a 8/10 by all the soothsayers employed at the Gonger Precog Review Studies and those freaks are never wrong! Way to smash destiny mid90s!