Be Kind, Rewind (2008)

If you didn't know already, Be Kind, Rewind, written and directed by Michel Gondry, centres around the mishaps of Mos Def and Jack Black, left alone in a video store by a foolishly trustworthy Danny Glover. Black's character Jerry isn't allowed in the store at first - and it's perfectly understandable - but inevitably he finds his way in and not only acts like a complete penis, but somehow manages to erase all videotapes in the store with the newly acquired magnetic field adorning his gelatinous body. Cue instant hilarity as deadlines and lawsuits loom ominously over a fun-filled journey through handheld movie-making. Rush Hour 2 never looked so good.

I've come to the conclusion that Michel Gondry desparately needs a good writer, maybe Charlie Kaufman to collabarate with again, to produce something of the same quality as Eternal Sunshine, and not something so generic as Be Kind, Rewind. It's not a wreck of a film by any means, only it just doesn't quite manage to achieve the charm it strives for; it aims high for a warm-hearted, wacky comedy feel, but it could leave you feeling tepid by the time it's all over. And why? Because you can't believe in it.

Capra wouldn't go this far. Firstly, Be Kind, Rewind features a video rental store existing the 21st century. Secondly, as you may have gathered from the trailers, the store becomes highly profitable when the "amateur" movies hit the market. If you'll pardon the inneundo, consider the believability of this for a moment, then believe me when I say that it gets much more far-fetched, to the point where you're sitting dumbfounded at the movie's climax, telling yourself that a situation like this could never happen.

Does the absurdity of the plot hurt Be Kind, Rewind in any way? In a movie like Transformers for instance, you'd be expected to leave your brain at the door for what is essentially a tale far removed from the real world. Be Kind, Rewind on the other hand, does appear to string you along in our sense of reality, whilst stretching the limits of belief at the same time, but if you really want to enjoy it, my best advice is to "suspend your belief." Oho, that old saying.

Most will agree that seeing the two main protagonists (Jack Black and Mos Def) reshoot all our favourite films is the best part of Be Kind, Rewind. Driving Miss Daisy, 2001: A Space Odyssey, King Kong...they're all recreated in hilarious fashion using the bare minimum in sets and costumes. There's one particular tracking shot that moves through each film set - almost like a theme park ride - that captures the action of each remake as it unfolds and enlightens us as to how fun the whole amateur filmmaking process can be with a sprinkle of imagination. Indeed, you begin to sense Gondry's influence within the fantastical creativity of these sequences.

The hindrance of these segments, as fun as they are, is that you can keep waiting for the next one, until you realise that they're exactly what you came for, not so much the narrative that revolves around them. The filmmaking process overshadows the film itself; in fact, the entire film, especially towards its end, becomes almost as haphazard and all over the place as Jack Black's video remakes. There were at least 7 instances where I just couldn't believe a certain character would do or say something so utterly stupid in their situation.

Jack Black once again plays himself, shouting and flailing his arms everywhere, and in this one role he actually seems to be bordering on mental retardation. I've never been huge fan of Black, but his insane ramblings quite fit the style of Be Kind, Rewind, so much that I couldn't work out whether he was irritating, or simply entertaining me. Further consideration leads me to believe that he was the perfect fit for something so bizarre as this, in that he can come off increasingly irksome, though in reality, Be Kind, Rewind just wouldn't work without him.

I wouldn't give this one a high recommendation, nor would I dissuade you from seeing it. Though if you're after a bit of harmless fun, Be Kind, Rewind isn't much of a wrong step. You may be inspired if you're a budding filmmaker, though be warned, you won't garner that kind of reception for your YouTube videos.

**1/2