Mickey 17 Has Screened, And First Reactions Call Robert Pattinson’s Sci-Fi Flick ‘Incredibly Smart,’ But There Are Some Quibbles

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Ever since Bong Joon-ho’s groundbreaking victory at the 2020 Academy Awards with “Parasite,” I, as a film enthusiast, have been eagerly awaiting his next masterpiece. Finally, it seems that day is not too far off, as his upcoming project, “Mickey 17,” based on Edward Ashton’s novel of the same name, is slated for release in 2025. In this intriguing sci-fi dark comedy, Robert Pattinson takes on the role of our expendable protagonist. With early screenings already underway and first reactions starting to surface online, let’s delve into what the critics are saying.

Prior to delving into critiques, allow me to clarify for those new to the original content: The protagonist, Mickey Barnes (portrayed by Robert Pattinson), is a disposable clone laborer residing on the human colony Niflheim. Given his status as an “expendable,” he undertakes hazardous assignments, with his body being renewed following each demise. Trouble ensues when Mickey 17 is erroneously declared deceased and Mickey 18 is likewise manufactured. Emily Murray from GamesRadar finds the movie particularly resonant in today’s context, expressing her thoughts on Twitter as follows:

In a new turn of events, Director Bong Joon Ho delivers Mickey 17, an exhilarating, unforeseen sci-fi tale that resonates deeply with our contemporary world. Prepare to be captivated by Robert Pattinson’s stellar acting, and keep your eyes peeled for Mark Ruffalo’s convincing portrayal of a questionable politician.

In “Mickey 17,” directed by Bong Joon-Ho, Robert Pattinson shares the screen with Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo. The Nerds of Color highly commend the acting performances in this movie, particularly that of Robert Pattinson who plays a double role. On X, they express their admiration for his performance.

Director Bong delivers another masterpiece with Mickey 17! This film is mind-boggling, side-splittingly funny, and his most grandiose production yet. Quirky, intelligent, and captivating, it boasts an exceptional dual act from Robert Pattinson, along with remarkable performances from Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo!

According to Liam Crowley from ScreenRant, Mark Ruffalo’s performance is particularly noteworthy in the film Mickey 17, which has caused him to reconsider what it means to be human. In simpler terms, this reviewer expresses that the movie has significantly influenced his perspective on humanity.

Mickey 17 is an intriguingly captivating, intellectually challenging, yet warning story, masterfully portrayed by Pattinson. Ruffalo steals every moment on screen. I felt it could have been more deeply rooted in conventional gloom rather than black comedy. Regardless, it offered a fresh perspective on human nature and ethics.

Eli Johnson, a senior writer at POC Culture, communicates through Bluesky that the film’s director, who is also the scriptwriter, offers an exceptional analysis, effectively enhanced by the main actor’s delivery.

In an amusing, dreamlike, and astonishingly intelligent manner, Bong Joon-ho’s film Mickey 17 serves as a vibrant critique of class distinctions, human character, and the allure of celebrity. Robert Pattinson skillfully portrays Mickey’s multiple personas with charm and effortlessness, offering a multidimensional performance.

According to John Nguyen from Nerd Reactor, Robert Pattinson has the talent to convincingly portray both versions of Mickey, however, this reviewer feels that Bong Joon-ho may have overlooked a chance to broaden the story’s scope towards the conclusion. In his own words, John Nguyen puts it this way:

“John Nguyen believes Robert Pattinson possesses the ability to convincingly play both versions of Mickey, but he thinks Bong Joon-ho may have passed up a chance to deepen the story’s resolution.

In a fresh and entertaining twist, Robert Pattinson shines in various roles within Mickey 17. Nevertheless, I believe the final act missed its mark by focusing on otherworldly dangers rather than developing the internal conflicts of the characters, or in simpler terms, the drama among the Mickeys. I think this story would have been more impactful if it had been adapted into a series, allowing for a deeper exploration of these human dynamics.

Germain Lussier from Gizmodo shared some reservations about Mickey 17, as he felt that the depicted political movements seemed uncomfortably authentic rather than entertaining.

I found myself greatly enjoying Mickey 17 for the most part. The collaboration between Robert Pattinson and Bong Joon-Ho in this sci-fi setting is impressive. However, the movie takes a turn towards political parallels that are quite apparent and reminiscent, which unfortunately makes it feel less like an entertaining escape and more like a reflection of reality, taking away some of its intended fun.

Matt Maytum from TotalFilm finds the director skillfully balances the film’s satire with its quirks, according to his perspective. Essentially, this means that in Maytum’s opinion, the director manages to deliver a satirical message while maintaining the film’s unique and eccentric characteristics.

I found myself thoroughly captivated by Mickey 17. Director Bong masterfully blends humor and satire with compelling sci-fi environment construction, and Robert Pattinson shines repeatedly.

According to BJ Colangelo from Slashfilm, the movie is receiving a lot of positive feedback on social media, and he shares this appreciation. He considers the film both amusingly awkward and profound, going so far as to say that it’s director Bong Joon-ho’s strongest work in the English language thus far.

In a unique blend of emotions and humor, director Bong Joon-ho has once again created a remarkable piece of work titled “Mickey 17”. This thought-provoking film delves into the complexities of capitalism, colonization, and corruption, making it both heartfelt and uneasily amusing. The talented ensemble cast brings this timely masterpiece to life, marking it as an exceptional choice for our contemporary era. Notably, “Mickey 17” stands out as Bong Joon-ho’s most impressive work in the English language thus far.

Eric Eisenberg from TopMob labeled “Mickey 17” as “zany sci-fi enjoyment” following a sneak peek at CinemaCon. This praise, coupled with anticipation from those who’ve read the book or eagerly await the director’s next project (having enjoyed “Parasite”), should spark optimism. Regrettably, we still have to wait until March 7th to catch “Mickey 17” in theaters.

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2025-02-14 02:08