“Mickey 17” is Bong Joon-ho’s newest film and it is a complete mess in the absolute best way possible. 

The film is set primarily in the year 2054 after humans have developed the technology to traverse the galaxy. The plot follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) who is a somewhat slow but goodhearted fella who gets in over his head after taking a sizable loan from a loan shark to open a bakery. 

After the bakery goes under, Mickey and his bad influence friend Timo (Steven Yeun) are on the hook to the loan shark who threatens to kill them if he doesn’t get his money. 

Fresh out of ideas and with the Earth in severe turmoil due to climate change, the pair take to the stars for a fresh start on the planet Niflheim on an expedition led by failed congressmen turned billionaire megalomaniacal cult leader Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo). 

Timo is able to charm his way into a job as a shuttle pilot while Mickey, who lacks any actual skills that would be needed on such a journey, is forced to sign up as an ‘expendable’ without reading the fine print. 

An ‘expendable’ is someone whose job is to die and die often. 

Using future technology that is banned on Earth to clone Mickey and restore his memories, Mickey is treated as disposable, given lethal assignments and regenerated after death over and over again. 

This effectively makes Mickey a real life lab rat, sent into all manner of dangerous situations to ensure the new planet is hospitable for a future colony. 

The movie really starts with Mickey number 17 who has found love with crew mate Nasha (Naomi Ackie) and really has something to live for when Mickey 18 is printed out while Mickey 17 is believed dead on an aforementioned lethal assignment. 

To this point, death has been like a nap for Mickey. A quick rest before waking up back on the ship he calls home. Now there are two Mickey’s and if Mickey 17 dies, that’s it, for good. 

As the native inhabitants of Niflheim and Marshall’s goons inch closer to all-out war, Mickey must find a way to fight for the only life he has left. 

I won’t say more because this is a movie that demands to be watched on the big screen. It’s a hilariously over the top mess in all the right ways and will leave you smiling from ear to ear. 

Robert Pattinson is the man and really elevates this movie from mediocre to great with his mere presence and I shan’t say more, just go watch this movie!

Official Score: 8/10

Categories: Arts & Entertainment