Why Anti-Trump ‘Mickey 17’ Deserved Its Box Office Fate

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This year, Director Bong Joon Ho stood out with a unique, fresh movie, amidst the flood of re-made, re-started, and re-envisioned productions.

Audiences showed their appreciation for the Oscar-winner by steering clear of his sci-fi comedy “Mickey 17” at every opportunity. Even though fresh ideas are valuable, the public quickly identified this movie as less than appealing and avoided it like a bad smell from far off.

Currently, “Mickey 17” can be watched on Max, providing an opportunity for those who missed it in the cinema to catch up and enjoy it.

Don’t bother.

In a role played by Robert Pattinson, the character Mickey Barnes becomes embroiled in a questionable venture with a suspicious corporation. He voluntarily participates as a test subject, exposing himself to potentially lethal trials, all the while scientists meticulously record his bodily responses.

Remember, kids, always read the fine print.

Mickey repeatedly meets his end, only to be resurrected by the corporation through reproduction. A digital device preserves his memories and character traits, enabling them to be transferred into every new replica of him.

Mickey 1 sounds like Mickey 2, 3 and 4. You get the idea.

What happens when a presumably doomed Mickey clone, call him Mickey 17, doesn’t die as planned?

This intriguing science fiction concept invites us to ponder over our mortality, the boundaries of the human spirit, and other profound questions. If life can be so swiftly ended, what does this reveal about human nature? And what about those who seemingly discard or end life so carelessly?

A skillful narrator has numerous subtle paths to explore with this subject matter. However, “Mickey 17,” adapted from Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel “Mickey7,” surprisingly opts for the most challenging course of action.

In this storyline, we encounter a character reminiscent of Donald Trump, portrayed in an exaggerated manner by Mark Ruffalo. It might be best for Ruffalo, who’s more known for his dramatic roles as the Hulk, to leave such over-the-top performances to actors like Jim Carrey and Nicolas Cage, as these types of parts seem to fit their acting style better.

In simpler terms, Kenneth Marshall, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, is an unsuccessful political figure who manages the corporation alongside his devoted companion, Toni Collette. This duo has a dedicated following sporting red hats, and they aspire to establish a human settlement that embodies genetic purity.

Subtle.

Although Mickey may require our compassion, surprisingly, he finds himself with a partner portrayed by Naomi Ackie, who embodies the epitome of self-made success. However, her role seems puzzling, yet she is associated with distinguished company.

After an initial 30 minutes that are captivating, the narrative struggles to regain its footing and fails to match its earlier intensity. From then on, Bong’s style of comedic disorder doesn’t elicit a single chuckle, and his script veers into a bizarre, adult-themed direction with an R rating.

Characters speak as harshly as a modern-day Andrew Dice Clay performance at Madison Square Garden, which not only stifles the movie’s satirical essence but imparts an unmistakably contemporary 2025 ambiance to this sci-fi narrative.

Terrible idea.

At a certain moment, I find myself venting my frustration with one-dimensional Marshall in a passionate and colorful manner – much like a devoted Hillary Clinton supporter might have reacted to the news of Donald Trump’s 2016 election win.

In the movie titled “Mickey 17,” there’s a moment where it seems stuck, unsure of its next steps. Then, creatures resembling worms from the planet Marshall appear on screen. These are stunning digital creations, reminiscent of the Na’vi in “Avatar.” However, unlike the film’s main characters, these creatures are portrayed as the native inhabitants of their world.

It’s crucial that they are safeguarded in every way possible, and Marshall’s henchmen swiftly branded them as adversaries. It seems “Mickey 17” might not be as unique as we initially assumed.

In the “Avatar” series, it’s beneficial that the Na’vi resemble humans. They are far less adorable than the main character from Bong Joon-ho’s other science fiction film, “Okja.

In the movie, the attempts at making social statements fall flat, and the jabs at corporations feel outdated. The “Alien” series handled it more effectively decades ago. [This version maintains the original’s meaning but uses simpler language to make it easier for readers to understand.]

Putting personal beliefs aside, “Mickey 17” appears to be a film that’s filled with desperation, lacks excitement, and is inherently chaotic. Robert Pattinson’s performance is commendable, but he seems lost amidst a whirlwind of intense characters and implausible plot turns.

We’ll take “Fast & Furious” Part XXI over this fresh drivel any day.

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2025-05-26 19:04