Be Kind Rewind (2008)

You either like Michel Gondry or you don't. If you fall in the latter group, you will not appreciate Be Kind Rewind to its fullest. To you, it may look ship-shod and down right amateurish. Fans of the director will find the kind, silly and dreamy qualities we love.

Be Kind Rewind is a story of humanity in its simplest form. {How's that for pretentious?!} For general audiences, it is Gondry's most 'normal' film to date.

Junkyard worker and conspiracy theorist Jerry (Jack Black) inadvertently becomes magnetized when he tries to sabotage the power plant he blames for causing his headaches. Visiting his friend, Mike (Mos Def) at the local VHS store he destroys all the movies in his friend's store. In order to keep the store's few loyal customers and keep shop-owner Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover) please, the duo decide to recreate the films most in demand. Their, ahem, reinterpretation of Ghostbusters {I've got to see that one.} leads to a high-demand for Sweded {meaning tapes coming from Sweden as an excuse for longer wait times and higher rental fees) films like The Lion King, Rush Hour, Driving Miss Daisy, and Robocop.

Be Kind Rewind is a low budget gem that enjoys its idealistic view of humanity. The cast is sweet led by Black and Mos Def. Jack Black is his manic self, but Gondry successfully tempers the screwball and gets a solid performance. Mos Def is sadly underutilized, but still manages a good performance. Kudos to Danny Glover, Mia Farrow and Sigourney Weaver for cameos.

Be Kind Rewind is odd. It's goofy and awkward. Still Gondry keeps the film genuine and creates a simple feel-good film.

As the credits role, your thoughts go immediately to that friend. Mine did. You know, the friend with the video camera that think he's the next Spielberg. Everybody has one. Be Kind Rewind has created a simple pop culture reference in 'Sweded'. Google it. You'll enjoy what you find. This site has some of the best.