Review of mid90s (2018) by Mattyice — 27 Oct 2018

I'll start off by stating what I did like about this movie: the cinematography, acting, nostalgia, and soundtrack, all of which were great. The ultimate problem in this movie comes through its realism (or lack thereof).

Most A24 films of this style succeed in the fact that they are supposed to be "gritty observations of real life." Mid90s breaks this realism with its main character, a middle-class 10 year-old who drinks Colt 45, smokes cigarettes, and hooks up with women almost 8 years older than him.

While it can be seen as satirical/urban fantasy in a certain light, the film does not paint it as such and continues to suggest realism with its subject matter. The film also is inconsequential, as characters do not develop after moments where they are clearly designed to (namely the supporting characters, but also the lead).

In addition, plot threads drop or pop up with little purpose and the film ends anti-climactically. Overall, there was potential in the film's design, but it needed better execution, which I can see with refinement from Jonah Hill in future projects.